INSIDE OUT

Like Eddie Henderson's debut this is very much in the "Mwandishi" spirit as we once again get Herbie Hancock's sextet, but instead of additional drum help from Lenny White, this time it comes from Eric Gravatt. Eric played with WEATHER REPORT and is on their first live album. I have to mention as well that Terry Bozio stated that the first time he saw Eric drum in San Fransisco it changed his life, he had never seen that kind of intensity from a drummer before. We also get some congas from Bill Summers, who was one of the "Headhunters". Eddie writes all but two of the tracks just like on the debut. Bennie Maupin wrote the first and last track on this album.

"Moussaka" opens with spacey sounds and flute. It changes before a minute as drums, horns and bass take over. It settles then kicks back in before 3 minutes. Piano from Herbie after 4 minutes. "Omnipresence" is a short tune with piano melodies as horns play over top. The horns eventually take over as the drums rumble.

"Discoveries" is laid back but it's building. Great sound 2 minutes in.Intense. It does settle back down. There is so much going on in the next track "Fusion" as the trumpet plays over top. Excellent tune. "Dreams" opens with bass as horns come and go. The drums are outstanding here. Piano comes and goes too. "Inside Out" is the title track and the longest one at almost 9 1/2 minutes. Nice bass intro as a beat comes in with horns and keyboards. The bass shines throughout. "Exit #1" has some atmosphere to it as it slowly plays out.

Not as good as the debut but it's certainly a 4 star album. Man these guys had an adventerous spirit, willing to be experimental and different from the norm.