anthony davis
adventures in dreamtime
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"This phase peaked with Variations In Dream-time (1982), scored for a sextet of piano, trombone (Lewis), cello (Wadud), clarinet/flute (JD Parran), bass and drums (Aklaff), and containing only two side-long compositions: the 24-minute Variations in Dream-Time and the 22-minute three-movement Enemy of Light. Davis, far from rejecting bebop, cool jazz or even swing music (or, for that matter, African or Indonesian music), was working outside the free-jazz paradigm, determined to restore composition to its dominating role. His non-virtuoso style at the piano was little more than a guide for the development of the composition, a practical expression of an intimidating musical plot. Despite the obvious similarities in intent, there was little in these extended suites that recalled European classical music, other than the occasional romantic melody. It was, indeed, a unique form of art."