Lucidarium

A different direction for Steve, dropping overt rhythmic complexity in favor of more of a group sound. He's also experimenting with scales, bringing in untempered vocals and instruments (Mat Maneri on viola, for example) -- creating a shifting sound that's not "in key" in a normal sense. Takes some getting used to -- the liner notes thank the musicians "for hangin' in there, particularly because without the non-tempered instruments and voices this music would not have been possible to realize."

Some tracks involve a large ensemble, like 12-15 people (1,2,4,5,6). And all tracks build unusual textures with female vocals, harmonica, and/or Maneri's viola. It's recognizably Coleman's music -- and he's done slow, contemplative stuff before -- but he's reaching out in a few strange, unexpected ways. Won't grab you as immediately as his Def Trance Beat or Resistance Is Futile CDs, but it's still great stuff.

Coleman

1- Slowly perky, with complex time signature
2- Creeping, gently flowing
3- Quick and snappy
4- Mid/slow and floaty, with tumultous, curdled harmonies
5- Complex fast big-band sound, after 2-1/2 minute slow intro
6- Big, dramatic, swirling, slow. Second half gets quietly perky.
7,8 -- Percussive interlude, then a capella singing
9- Slow, mysterious, minimal start. Second half snappy, w/rap.
10- Midtempo, w/complex bop line and nice Coleman solo