Head On

Only four tracks, and the title suite eats up almost half the runtime, shifting through three movements without ever settling into a groove you'd call comfortable. "Mtume" is the percussion showcase — dense, almost chaotic, and all the better for it. This is Hutcherson at his most avant, more spiritual jazz than vibraphone showcase. Patience required, but "Clockwork of the Spirits" closes it out with real tension.

Filed underavant-garde jazzvibraphonespiritual jazz1971