Steve Lacy and his quintet are well featured on this double LP which documents two appearances at European festivals. In addition to the soprano/leader, altoist
Steve Potts has long been a commanding improviser in his own right and offers a constrasting yet complementary solo voice. Bassist
Kent Carter and drummer
Oliver Johnson are always alert during this complex music (seven
Lacy scalar originals) while
Irene Aebi (on cello, violin and occasional background vocal) is more of an acquired taste. Overall this set gives one a good example of
Steve Lacy's late-'70s group and its distinctive music. ~ Scott Yanow