Dennis is currently hospitalized with complications from diabetes, but seems on the upswing which I'm glad to see.
In my estimation he is a brilliant player. I have never heard a note from him that I didn't like. I get why people stick with the old Silkheart recordings-- they're incredible to a one, my favorite being The Desert Wind. But any recording he makes is worth hearing. I am personally very inspired by the example he sets with his regional focus. If it weren't for Dennis, we would not have Charles Brackeen's later recordings; we would not have a lot of the recent work of Alvin Fielder documented; we would not have as many recordings with the brilliant Tim Green; ditto John Purcell, Henry Franklin, and countless other young players he invites to play (who always acquit themselves well in his presence)
Again, do not sleep on his recent work. Some personal favorites include:
Cape of Storms (Ayler)
Resurrection and Life (Ayler)
Idle Wild (Clean Feed)
Renegade Spirits (Furthermore)
I need to get the recent Shaman and In Quiet Waters from For Tune in Poland. I'm also on the lookout for the OOP Old Time Revival on Furthermore, if anyone has a lead....