Compare The Time Is Now!: Tribe Records, Vol. 6

's first record as a leader is worlds away from his later 1976 offering, . is a vanguard record, full of the spirit, determination, and innovation inspired by , , and . Recorded in 1973 and 1974 and released at the end of 1974, the set shows to be an imposing composer and frightfully good trombonist. The original album contained six compositions that are a deep musical brew of esthetics, and soulful melodic ideas that were superimposed as a jump off point for both harmonic and rhythmic (read: ) invention. The stamp of Detroit is all over this thing. Tracks like the title and reflect the anger and vision of the era, while moving it all in a positive musical direction. Soloists on the set include the rest of the collective -- and -- as well as local players who deserved far more than they received in terms of national recognitions: bassist , trumpeter , pianist , drummer , and others including himself. The arrangements on were ahead of their time, clustering a rhythm section as part of the horn's front line ( and the title track) and a stylistic angularity that reflected both musical history and futurism in ( ). drummer and mastermind has remixed and remastered the entire album (and added three bonus tracks). Its sound and fidelity have changed substantially, but not the spirit or the letter of the music -- a remarkable achievement. is a must for any vanguard aficionado or anyone interested in the strange, rhythm-oriented evolution of Detroit music. ~ Thom Jurek