Trumpeter Malik is known for his work with Cecil Taylor and Jimmy Lyons. This CD is composed of original material that ranges from sizzling free bop to scorching free jazz, an arresting selection of dedicatory compositions written by Malik, and is played by a burning three-horn front line of Malik, C-melody saxophonist Brian King Nelson, and tenor saxophonist Glenn Spearman. Bassist Larry Roland and drummer Dennis Warren round out the quintet. An avowed improviser, Malik's quintet starts out with chirping counterpoint on AB (for A.B. Spellman) with pure melodicism in a rubato style, going to a swinging framework, ascending and descending horn lines, and a completely frantic, chaotic, multi-phonic end over 15 minutes. There are two other extended pieces -- Talk (for Miles Davis) has a loose swing and more palpable melody with long solos from all participants over another 15 minutes, while Extensions, at 14-plus minutes, is the most cohesively boppish number with a tuneful head and free-improvised matrix of melodic and harmonic threads woven into a discernible rhythm. Blue 2 (again for Davis) melds a series of several repeated figures to a free bash and no time coda with drums as the exclamation point. CC (for Duke Ellington) is most intriguing, with a 6/8 ostinato bassline merging choppy snippets into free expressionism. Companions Too (for Lyons) has a short unison burst in the head section getting right into the improv, and T's Quiet Time (for Thelonious Monk) is eminently listenable, melodic, even calming, with much more restraint and characteristics of a modern mainstream piece. If you are a supporter of the avant way of playing, this CD is an essential part of your collection. It has all the elements of spontaneity, color forms, and textures that define free jazz. Malik's solid tone and fresh ideas have always indicated he's a musician to be watched and heard. This CD brings all his talent to the surface, with a band that can match those common goals. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi

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