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"Equally rich in inspired performances and brilliant arrangements ... a standout in Shorter's impressive '60s oeuvre." - Jazz.com "The excellent sound leaps out of the speakers, eloquent testimony to the unparalleled talents ... the music speaks volumes about jazz’s creative evolution during the early to mid 1960s, but the fact is that this would be great music in any era." - All About Jazz Blue Note rarely recorded groups of more than quintet dimensions, but this 1965 recording gives Wayne Shorter the luxury of a septet to present the most challenging and forceful music of his career. He uses a four horn frontline to develop thick textures and dense, layered harmonies that build on his work with the Jazz Messengers as well as his own quartet and quintet dates. There’s a gravity of purpose in this meeting of post-bop and avant-garde impulses. Along with Shorter’s energized tenor, there are strong contributions from several Blue Note regulars of the period, including trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, altoist James Spaulding and trombonist Grachan Moncur III, while the rhythm section of pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Joe Chambers creates a churning, explosive backdrop.