Steve Reid is one of the true independent innovators of jazz and soul, and his first release as the Steve Reid Ensemble for Domino, 'Daxaar', is an incredible collection of rhythmic ideas captured on his first visit to Africa in four decades. Joined by his recent collaborator, Fourtet's Kieran Hebden ('Tongues', 'The Exchange Sessions' 1+ 2), 'Daxaar' was recorded in January 2007 at Studio Dogo in Dakar, Senegal. The album features Steve (drums), Khadim Badji (percussion), Dambel Diop (bass), Kieran (electronics), Roger Ongolo (trumpet), Jimi Mbaye from Youssou N'Dour's band on guitar and Boris Netsvetaev (keyboards). They were also joined by Isa Kouyate on kora and vocals for the album opener 'Welcome'. - Steve Reid made his recording debut in 1964, aged 19, playing on Martha and the Vandellas' classic 'Dancing in the Street', before going on to accompany jazz greats Miles Davis, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra and David Murray, and soul legends including James Brown, Dionne Warwick and Chaka Khan. - Whether you like jazz, world or electronica, there's no denying the beauty Steve Reid has created on this exceptionally innovative, impressive and thoroughly enjoyable album.