Muhal Richard Abrams Octet - View From Within (1985/2024)

Abrams' work for mid-sized groups varies markedly from his solo, trio, or large orchestra material. Compositions are even more unpredictable, there's more emphasis on mood and less on rhythm, and solos are crisper and shorter. This '84 date included some intriguing instrumental configurations at times (vibes/flute/percussion, piano/clarinet/bass clarinet) and ranked among his best '80s dates. © Ron Wynn