Chico Freeman - The Outside Within (1978)

Tenor saxophonist Chico Freeman (doubling here on bass clarinet) performs the 19-and-a-half-minute "Undercurrent" (an original by bassist Cecil McBee) and three shorter compositions with McBee, pianist John Hicks, and drummer Jack DeJohnette on this enjoyable set, which has been reissued on CD. The music is often influenced by the scales of the Far East, yet also has the warmth and extroverted emotions of the west. All of the musicians have opportunities to make strong contributions, and the top-notch players (some of the finest) are heard throughout in top form.