snobb "Voice Prints" is very much a collaborative work. Three of Chicago's AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) veterans playing live with a world fusion legend for the first time, performing as a quartet that was put together for one concert only.

Flutist Yusef Lateef has played what has become known as "world music" since the late 50s(!), many years before the term "world music" became common. Percussionist Adam Rudolf started his musical career playing in Fred Anderson's group in the late 70s, and later became a world fusion explorer ("Voice Print" is released on his "world music" label Meta). South Californian reedist Douglas Ewart was one of the first Roscoe Mitchell students in the AACM. The fourth quartet member is Art Ensemble Of Chicago legendary reeds player Roscoe Mitchell himself.

As one can expect from the line up, this album's music is an Art Ensemble of Chicago (AAOC)+ world fusion mix, all of the highest endeavor. Based on African rhythms, the three reedists build a shamanic and relaxed atmosphere in a manner well known from historic AAOC recordings (even their famous "small instruments" sound is here!). Less explosive and more world fusion influenced, this music still often sounds like another AAOC album - mostly because of Roscoe Mitchell's sound signature.

It's a real pleasure after all these years to listen to living legends' music which sounds surprisingly fresh and non-conformist even today.