by Scott YanowThis CD reissue brings back clarinetist John Carter's first recording and the earliest example of his mutually beneficial teaming with trumpeter Bobby Bradford. Formerly out on Revelation, this Hat Art reissue is most surprising in that Carter mostly plays alto and tenor, with a rare appearance on flute and only one selection ("Sticks And Stones") on clarinet, the instrument that he would soon give up the others for. Less surprising is that the music is most influenced by Ornette Coleman although Carter's style was already showing individuality and the lyrical Bradford always had more technique than Don Cherry. Bassist Tom Williamson is excellent in support and drummer Bruz Freeman comes across as the most conventional player on the date. These freebop performances hold one's interest, vary moods and manage to be both free and melodic.