Steve Coleman And Five Elements – On The Rising Of The 64 Paths

Last year’s intense and compelling live double album, Resistance Is Futile, was one of the jazz releases of 2002. This follow-up employs most of the same musicians plus flautist/vocalist Malik Mezzadri. A predominantly introspective record which emphasises its lack of a chordal instrument with unusually sparse textures, On The Rising Of The 64 Paths further pursues Coleman’s fascination with ancient Chinese divination. Subtle and elusive, this album only slowly reveals its inspiration.

Best to try the aforementioned Resistance Is Futile first.