If you had to pick one album that best represents the pinnacle of the art of , you'd cull the candidates down pretty quickly to ten or 12, and it would get very difficult after that. Few would fault you for ending up with this one, though, which stands as perhaps the finest collaboration between two of instrumental 's leading lights: producer and melodica player and legendary pioneer . Among other gems, this album offers its title track -- a version of 's -- which is widely regarded as the finest example of ever recorded. But the rest of the album is hardly less impressive. another cut on a rhythm, possesses the same dark and mystical ambience, if not quite the same emotional energy, as and the version of the epochal that closes the album is another solid winner. 's trademark "Far East" sound (characterized by minor keys and prominent melodica lines) is predominant throughout, and is treated with care and grace by , who has rarely sounded more inspired in his studio manipulations than he does here. Absolutely essential. ~ Rick Anderson