by Scott Yanow
Very much a co-op trio, this ECM date matches together bassist Dave Holland, his old associate Jack DeJohnette and altoist Steve Coleman, who spent time in both of their bands. For the well-rounded date, the band performs one song apiece by Coleman and DeJohnette, four by Holland, a traditional "African Lullaby," Charlie Parker's "Segment" and Duke Ellington's "Take the Coltrane." Steve Coleman, who always had an original sound, really excels in this sparse setting.