Nova

A key document of the 1970s loft jazz scene, 'Nova' is a raw and powerful piece of independent, Afro-centric free jazz. The music is centered on the explosive, polyrhythmic drumming of leader Steve Reid, who had played with everyone from James Brown to Sun Ra. The album is a journey of pure energy, driven by Reid's propulsive rhythms and featuring fiery saxophone work and soaring, wordless vocals. It's a vital example of the spiritual and revolutionary music being made outside the mainstream record industry.