The Boston-based FMRJE belies the notion that the only thing happening in that city jazz-wise is the bebop played by whippersnappers at Berklee. Drummer Dennis Warren is apparently the leader of this outfit, but former Cecil Taylor sideman/trumpeter Raphe Malik takes composer credit on all but one of the tunes. Not that the tunes are particularly substantive -- they serve merely as springboards for the collective improvisations to follow. The soloists are without exception first-rate. Tenor saxophonist Raqib Hassan is not as well known as similar players such as Charles Gayle or Ivo Perelman, but Hassan is an energy player on a par with both. He plays with a tight, muscular tone and supple technique. That flutist Earl Grant Lawrence manages to be heard through the maelstrom is impressive enough; that he actually plays as cogently as he does is nearly amazing. Of course, Malik exerts a strong influence -- he's a flexible and expressive player -- and alto saxophonist Marco Eneidi exhibits a compelling voice. Warren is a savvy and aggressive drummer, though he's sensitive enough to know when to back off and let others take the lead. That sort of deep listening is a hallmark of this band. The tunes ebb and flow as naturally as breathing. While the no-holds-barred free playing of Taylor's various units is the model for this type of playing, FMRJE tends to play in shorter spurts. The performance nevertheless coheres quite well. The playing is concentrated and very focused. All in all, an interesting, vibrant exercise in non-tonal jazz improvisation. ~ Chris Kelsey, Rovi

1		Mono Syllabic Onomatopoeia
2		Continuum
3		(Specimen) B Source
4		Quick Shift
5		Introductions:
6		Heart Ancient Run

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