One of the founding fathers of the British "Free Jazz" movement along with luminaries Evan Parker and Lol Coxhill, Derek Bailey continues to explore new and somewhat unchartered territory. This recent release on the Avant label teams Bailey up with longtime Bill Laswell associate, "The Ninj." "The Ninj," (one assumes it's a nickname) handles the drum and bass samples. While not a "true" trio format by any means (and unlike Bailey's "Arcana," which featured Laswell and the late Tony Williams), this release primarily focuses on Bailey's grinding, crunching guitar with electronic drums and bass serving as the underlying rhythm. It works to an extent.

Bailey is in classic form here. His trademark harmonically rich chord structures are evident along with his keen sense of improvisation. The first cut "N/JZ/BM" is explosive! Bailey turns up the volume and grinds his guitar into submission. The freedom and space Bailey creates is quite remarkable. The Ninj uses drum samples quite effectively, twisting turning, altering the tempo and keeping pace. Cuts two through six are virtually the same in format and context.

Here lies the problem. I was anticipating variations of themes, tempos and general craftiness. The approach remains consistent and seems monolithic. This vehicle could have expanded into something more diverse. The constant drum machines and nondescript bass lines do not fluctuate and tend to indicate stagnation. The drum samples / machines create an air of sterility.

Frankly, by cut three I was getting bored. Needless to say, Bailey's terrific articulation saves this CD from total disaster. The Ninj has appeared on several recent Laswell ambient / dub projects. His sense of rhythm is in dispute; owever, the sounds he creates never seem to waiver. There's a certain sameness which may suffice for "the background" but doesn't fare well for a project of this nature. In an intimate setting / trio format, there is generally nowhere to hide.

All in all, Bailey shines throughout despite the repetitive nature of the compositions / improvisation. I would recommend this CD to the devout Bailey fan, but those who are curious but not familiar with this great musician may want to check out Bailey's recent CD with guitarist Henry Kaiser for starters instead (It cost more than $20 at a major retail chain outlet).