This new re-release of a 1985 LP is the missing link between his rare, superlative lead dates Enchance (A&M, 1978) and Amethyst (Arabesque, 1993). Oshumare boasts a similar exhilarating eclecticism, a wild personality mix, and fresh, synergistic playing across boundaries and bar lines. Hart moves this date from strength to strength, fomenting a mixed gathering of musicians to cohesive, democratic expression. He pits reedman Branford Marsalis with Steve Coleman, guitarist Bill Frisell with Kevin Eubanks. The rhythm pops bravely with two masters: bassist Dave Holland and percussionist Manolo Badrena. The tunes journey from the smooth modalism of Hart's "Duchess," Frisell's languid "Waiting Inside," and Kenny Kirkland's quivering waltz "Chance" on into the exotic, demanding realms of a blithely meandering Eubanks suite, Holland's exuberant singsong "May Dance," and the keening atonality of Coleman's "Mad Monkey." No drum solos, boring or otherwise.

-- Fred Bouchard