The Jewel in the Lotus

A key member of Herbie Hancock's Headhunters and Mwandishi bands, reedist Bennie Maupin revealed a much more introspective side on his debut as a leader. 'The Jewel in the Lotus' is a beautiful, meditative album that emphasizes texture and atmosphere over traditional solos. The use of multiple drummers and Maupin's lyrical bass clarinet creates a unique, spiritual, and ambient soundscape that was a key part of the developing ECM aesthetic and the spiritual jazz movement.