by Scott YanowDesert Songs & Other Landscapes features a working group co-led by tenor-saxophonist Gebhard Ullmann and trombonist Steve Swell. This is a fiery set full of explorative colorful solos and dynamic group interplay. Much of the time Ullmann and Swell improvise together, being pushed by bassist Hillard Greene and veteran drummer Barry Altschul. Most of the themes (which are inspired in an abstract way by Swell's time spent in the Sahara desert and Gebhard's desert experiences in the American West) are brief although sometimes they return between improvised sections. The interplay on some of the more spirited pieces is a bit like a Mingus group, or perhaps Archie Shepp's band with Roswell Rudd. Of the standout selections, "Flutist With Hat and Shoe" is an avant-garde ballad that features a warm Swell trombone solo while "Seven 9-8" (which alternates between being in seven/eight and nine/eight time) is episodic and continually surprising. Fans of the more rambunctious side of avant-garde jazz will find this set of strong interest.