Cipher Syntax Explained

Cipher Syntax
Type:	Album
Artist:	Strata Institute
Cover:	Cipher Syntax.jpg
Released:	1989
Recorded:	March–April 1988
Studio:	Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York
Genre:	Jazz
Length:	51:49
Label:	JMT JMT 834 425
Producer:	Greg Osby & Steve Coleman
Chronology:	Greg Osby
Prev Title:	Mindgames
Prev Year:	1988
Next Title:	Season of Renewal
Next Year:	1990

Cipher Syntax is an album by Strata Institute, an M-Base group led by saxophonists Greg Osby and Steve Coleman, recorded in 1988 and released on the JMT label.^[1]

Reception

The AllMusic review by Michael G. Nastos states, "An acquired taste, but still excellent".^[2]

Track listing

All compositions by Steve Coleman except as indicated

1. "Slang" - 9:18
2. "Bed Stuy" - 7:08
3. "Turn of Events" (Greg Osby) - 3:23
4. "Decrepidus" (Osby) - 3:49
5. "Ihgnat Down" (Strata Institute) - 2:23
6. "Micro-Move" - 4:17
7. "Wild" - 3:04
8. "Humantic" (Osby) - 7:19
9. "Abacus" - 7:28
10. "Ihgnat" (Strata Institute) - 3:27

Personnel

• Steve Coleman - alto saxophone
• Greg Osby - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
• David Gilmore - electric guitar (tracks 1-3, 5 & 8-10)
• Bob Hurst - acoustic bass (tracks 1-5 & 7-10)
• Marvin "Smitty" Smith (tracks 1-3, 5 & 7-10), Tani Tabbal (tracks 1, 4, 8 & 9) - drums

Notes and References

1. http://www.jazzdisco.org/strata-institute/catalog/ Strata Institute sessionography
2. Nastos, M. G., Allmusic Review accessed December 12, 2014