The Michigan based Northwoods Improvisers collective meld undefined sounds of world music with jazz stylization. Here, multi-reedman Faruq Z. Bey of the Detroit band Griot Galaxy resides as the featured soloist. Vibist Mike Gilmore and the percussionists' swarming rhythms featuring standard drums and world instruments provide the generally brimful undercurrents. On "Mathnawi," the band jumps out of the gate with a peppery ostinato groove, due to Mike Johnson's well-defined acoustic bass lines. Bey resides as a forceful presence throughout, evidenced by his soul-searching choruses, wrapped around a robust tenor sax tone. Memories of latter-day Coltrane come to mind.