Trumpeter Russell Gunn never seems to coast, and his recordings are unpredictable. On Ethnomusicology, Vol. 4, he mostly plays electric trumpet, hinting at Miles Davis while mostly sounding fairly original. He performs a barely recognizable version of “Blue in Green,” stretches out on “More Sybil’s Blues,” and displays his comfort in both hard bop and electrified fusion. Guitarist Carl Burnett, who has several very explosive spots, often takes solo honors, giving the ensembles plenty of power and fire. But, despite the electronics and general intensity, there are many stretches in which one feels that the musicians are waiting for something interesting to happen, particularly during the 16-minute “Shiva the Destroyer.” – Scott Yanow
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