Just want to plug this fantastic recording. Was prompted to check it out after hearing a track on Jazz on 3 a few weeks ago. The Black Earth Strings is a really interesting group – Nicole Mitchell on flute, plus violin, ‘cello, double bass and percussion. It’s a really rhythmic group – very African influence throughout - and it’s great how they subvert what you might expect from a ‘flute plus strings’ thing. In absolutely the most positive sense, it’s not ‘pretty’ – nothing ironed-out, and you hear all the stringiness of the instruments. In fact, I think it’s a really quite muscular sound. It retains rawness and spontaneity, but at the same time is totally tight. Beautifully crafted compositions, and all very individual players in the group. I’m a big admirer of Mitchell’s playing – there a sort of take on Rahsaan at times, and I love the times where she vocalises at the same time as playing. Josh Abrams is great as ever – big old school sound…and very much enjoyed the percussionist Shirazette Tinnin,  right in the AACM tradition of things…highly recommended!