This trio had been playing together for quite a while, and it really shows with the group turning on a dime, presenting a studio version of their continuous live performances of the period. Each of the four performances recorded here feature one of Rivers instruments, leading off his swirling, nasal soprano saxophone on 'Expectation', before moving into the wide open and free flute led improvisation on 'Vision'. With

Of the drummers who passed through the line-up, Thurman Barker was one of the most creative, rippling across drum kit and marimba. Young trombone innovator George Lewis had already worked with Holland and Barker in Anthony Braxton groups. For Contrasts everyone was fired up and ready to play.