As with other projects they made together, the saxs of Karsten Vogel is an essential part of the soundscapes as are the guitars of Robin Taylor. Rasmus Grosell drums and percussions are of the highest level at feat often seen in jazz, but uncommon in rock. This trio is the backbone of the music. The other participants, Kim Menzer on flute, trombone and tenor saxophone, Henning Plannthin on guitar, Jan Marsfeldt on keys and Jytte Lindberg voice add flesh on the tracks they contributed.

“Man On The Mountain” is in the best tradition of modern jazz. Weather Report came to my mind (the soprano sax maybe…), even tough this piece is original. I absolutely love the sound of the guitar of Plannthin. It is an excellent introduction to the album. “Elephant Kiss” continues on that blissful jazz path, with the flute instead of the sax. We also hear the elephant kiss (the trombone of Menzer)! The finish sounded very prog to my ears. “Inner Space” seems to use the preceding theme and in that sense is a continuity of Elephant Kiss. “Base Camp” made me thinks of the film Crash by Cronnenberg. “Notkai” is a fun jazz groove. “Milo's Dakdar” is a superb mix of fusion/prog KC style. It is a piece that is too short in my view. It would have been great with a longer development. “Kindergarten” is like a transition to the more experimental part of the CD. Even if it smells funny, it is still jazz (as Zappa would have said). “Therapy” is the most progressive rock sounding tune of the CD. It is also my favourite, very much in spirit with KC of the Red period. “Charly & Juliet” sounded at times almost like free jazz in a prog structure! “Experimental Health” is effectively the experimental piece of the CD. At my first listen, I genuinely thought that I had a problem with the CD. Wrong, which means an uncommon composition destined to seasoned ears.

I strongly recommend this CD to all lovers of jazz fusion, but also to progressive rock aficionados who loved KC jazzy period or VDGG. I am now an admirer of Taylor’ Universe music, I will eagerly wait for his next CD.