"If you've heard about Arthur Blythe and want to check him out, this is THE album to get. I wouldn't call it avant garde, but it is very progressive. Blythe has a unique sound on the alto sax, very aggressive and hard. This also has some of the best playing ever by the late great guitarist Blood Ulmer. Lenox Avenue Breakdown is nice, but Illusions is Arthur Blythe's best. It's a classic album for any jazz fan."
The flow of liquid GOLD
Chance | 07/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blythes playing has always been like honey and liquid gold flowing from his saxophone. Its so fluid and free. He has remained true to himself. He has always been at the forefront of the music. Of course I would like to hear a pianist with him a little more, but... He has always marched to the beat of a different drummer. Thats what makes is music so alive!"
Two great bands.
Douglas T Martin | Alpharetta, GA USA | 06/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The 6 compositions are divided between 2 bands - a standard piano-based quartet and a cello-guitar-tuba-drums band. And they're both great. The traditional line-up swings hard; the more unconventional band plays some heavy funk. And it's all good - really good."
Thoroughly GREAT!! It kicks!!!
Douglas T Martin | 03/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I listened to this for the first time today and I am sorry for all the time I didn't know about it. This is some of the most astonishingly original-sounding, earth-shatteringly soulful music that ever *was*. Amazon doesn't seem to be stocking it at the moment -- but I recommend buying it if you ever get a second chance. DO NOT MISS!!"