Peter Apfelbaum / The New York Hieroglyphics - It Is Written (2005)

Saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum gathered together a new version of his Hieroglyphics for this record date, inspired by rediscovering fragments of music left over from the 1970s. Influenced strongly not only by avant-garde jazz but world music, the Hieroglyphics are, at times, reminiscent of Abdullah Ibrahim's groups, open to the rhythms, harmonies, and melodies of American, Latin, European, African, and Asian music. While the band has a strong group sound, Apfelbaum's nine originals cover a wide variety of music including the vocal-dominated "Titiwa" (featuring Abdoulaye Diabate), a number showcasing the leader on harmonium, some ensemble-oriented pieces, and others with short and fiery solos. Although not for the jazz purist, there is plenty of spirit to these performances, serving as an opportunity for Peter Apfelbaum to look both backwards and forward simultaneously.