Sun Ra stalwart Ronnie Boykins takes the helm on this session, his only effort as a leader, recorded in 1974 and released in 1975. It was the last album released by ESP before temporarily shutting up shop. Boykins, a wonderful bassist and composer, penned all the tunes on the album. The music is spiritual and adventurous, but lyrical and focused. I hear Mingus influences here for example. The arrangements are very engaging and interesting. The spirituality of the 70’s is mixed with nods to the past. African leaning elements are present as well, with some superb percussion and moods, especially on the last tune.
Favorite picks of the album are probably the 12 minute plus title track ”The Will Come, Is Now”, with it’s spiritual, oriental touch and percussion highlights, and also the partly Ornette-esque ”Dawn is Evening, Afternoon”.
This is one of the true gems of 70’s jazz for sure. Been after it for quite a while. Not an easy one to find, so very happy to be able to put this very clean copy on the shelf.
