Howard Riley, Synopsis (side A)

Pianist Riley is the least-known part of this trio, that also includes Barry Guy and Tony Oxley. 1973's Synopsis is a strong, if fairly typical, example of early 70s out improvisation from England. Guy and Oxley are credited with bass guitar and amplified percussion in addition to their usual bass and drums, but both of their playing is so abstract and textural that the differences are not jarring or obvious. Synopsis is notable to me for having been recorded by two women when the field was even more of an "old boys' club" than it is today, and it sounds quite good.