AMG Review of Sonogram

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Drummer Pheeroan AkLaff utilizes an all-star cast comprised of tenor-saxophonist John Stubblefield, altoist Carlos Ward, guitarist Sonny Sharrock and bassist Kenny Davis for this set of generally intense improvisations. There is an unfinished quality about the avant-garde music with the individual solos being much stronger than the somewhat forgettable melodies, and Sharrock's explosive guitar is greatly underutilized. The brief playing time of the CD (38 1/2 minutes) is also unfortunate but overall the set has many moments of interest. The two longest pieces are highlights: "Bit Her" (which uses a funky pattern and has melody statements between the solos) and "Serious" (its fast pulse by the bass and drums contrasts with the long tones of the horns). Worth checking out.