Although his career was short, Ervin still managed to record some 20 albums as a frontman, most notably his "book" series, including this fine session, which finds him working with a rhythm section of Jaki Byard on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Alan Dawson on drums. It's a near perfect set of modern hard bop, ranging just far enough out there to feel fresh but retaining a strong lifeline to bop tradition.
This paint-peeling quartet from Lansing, Michigan, tore up basements, restaurants, and even frat parties with their brand of light-speed uncontrolled aggression and no-future simplicity. At the Speed... issues the band's 7" single and EP, a compilation cut, outtakes, and a live tape. It's for those who were there, those who wish they were, and those who only read about this mysterious punk rock band that helped to define the Midwest hardcore scene.