This set, one of two of
Dixon
's issued on vinyl in 1980, was a rare release that showed why he is so admired by musicians and has such a tough time getting recorded. The four songs contain no prominent beats or riffs, catchy hooks, sentimental melodies, or enticing devices. One is nearly 20 minutes long, with multiple movements (
"For Cecil Taylor"
); another is almost 13 minutes, with stretches of blistering exchanges between
and fellow trumpeters
Arthur Brooks
and
Stephen Haynes
. Even the shorter pieces have exacting unison statements and prickly solos. An unfolding, unpredictable musical dialogue. ~ Ron Wynn