Marc Edwards first came to my attention as Cecil Taylor's drummer on one of Mr. Taylor's most dynamic recordings, Dark Unto Themselves (Enja), a live session from 1976. After that, there was a period of about 15 years where I lost track of his activities until 1992, when he released his own recording on Alpha Phonics. At this point we began to have a business relationship and I got to know him as a very direct, open, and focused individual. In keeping with that it should have been no surprise to me that, not only did the trio navigate the 340 miles to the Spirit Room with expedient efficiency, arriving on time but earlier than expected, but when they first hit (Positive Charge) it was focused, direct, and very dynamic.

Watching Marc Edwards is remarkable. Here is a man who creates a huge amount of energy, rhythmic movement, and active sound, yet, poker-faced behind the drums, he hardly appears to move. This is a man who focuses his energies into a creative explosion. And the incredible dynamic base which he creates is the foundation off of which Sabir Mateen and Hill Greene are able to launch their creative vessels.

This was an incredible session of high energy music filled with inspired playing all done with remarkable precision. As much as I'd like to take credit for some inspired producing, it's my feeling that this is a standard this group often achieves when they get together. Marc, Hill, and Sabir made my job easy and filled my soul with inspiration.

The program here is issued in the same order it was recorded; it is a wonder to behold.

Robert D. Rusch