COSMOS NUCLEUS by CARLOS GARNETT

Panamanian saxophonist Carlos Garnett was at the height of his powers when he recorded this set, expanding his vision of jazz as both spiritual release and cosmic exploration. The music is steeped in modal grooves and Afro-Caribbean rhythm but also stretches outwards with psychedelic textures and searching vocals. 'Saxy' opens with unrelenting drive before the title track takes the band into freer, expansive terrain. 'Wise Old Man' and 'Mystery Of Ages' channel Garnett's belief in music as healing force, while 'Kafira' and 'Bed-Stuy Blues' root the journey in Brooklyn's community energy. It's a record where earthbound funk rubs up against astral aspiration and it's all carried by Garnett's fierce tone and visionary intent. Both raw and uplifting, it encapsulates a time when jazz sought to move bodies, minds and spirit as one.