A session recorded between 1983-85, this one is lovingly reissued in memory of two of its participants who have passed on to ancestry, vocalist Luba Raashiek and pianist Ken Prince. Under the leadership of Art Ensemble of Chicago percussionist Famoudou Don Moye, this Chicago recording is an Afro-centric outing laden with percussion and the AACM sense of music with a theatrical bent that serves the dual purpose of exploration and entertainment.
Raashiek contributed the title track, delivered in his generous baritone voice, singing of scriptural messages and earthy lessons. As a showcase for Raashiek this one is well worth the hunt. His other offerings include a animated romp through Wayne Shorter’s anthem “Black Nile” and John Coltrane’s “Miles Mode,” as well as a tender “My Romance.” Other distinctive participants include the always welcome tenor sax of Ari Brown (“One For Skip” is a superb showcase for him) and the uncanny whistler Joel Brandon. At the helm Moye’s percussive colors, from djembe to traps, are lush and penetrating and the cast is a well-integrated bunch.
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