This album documents a 1971 live performance by Don Cherry’s New Eternal Rhythm Orchestra, a 14- or 15-member ensemble that included Cherry on pocket trumpet, his then-wife Moki Cherry on tambura, and a slew of high-profile European out-jazz players including Peter Brötzmann, Fred Van Hove, Willem Breuker, Albert Mangelsdorff, Manfred Schoof, Kenny Wheeler, Tomasz Stanko, and Han Bennink, among others. The opening piece, “Humus – The Life Exploring Force,” is a medley or suite of Cherry compositions that incorporates elements of blues, raga, squalling free jazz, and unhinged vocals from Loes MacGillycutty. That’s followed by a short track, “Sita Rama Encores,” on which Cherry coaches the audience into singing along with an Indian scale before the ensemble erupts again. But the most important piece here is “Actions For Free Jazz Orchestra,” conducted by Penderecki. The ensemble plays (from scores) themes written by the composer, which serve as framing devices for solos. It’s a dark and moody work, sometimes swinging and sometimes raucous and full of life, and although it breaks down at times, it’s a fascinating cross-genre exploration.