There is a misconception that freely played music must be melee, a literal free for all. Of course, that needn’t be the case as there are ways to direct improvisers with clear intent. It also helps to build trusting relationships with those recruited to perform the music in such a communal spirit.

Both enjoying successful and acclaimed international reputations, the two Iranian composers here represent two generations of musicians trained in the West. Hormoz Farhat, born in 1928, was the first Iranian to study music in the USA, taking classes with Darius Milhaud, Lukas Foss and Roy Harris. He worked at UCLA for many years before returning to Iran.

Mariah Carey has the most number-one singles for a solo artist in the United States (eighteen; second artist overall behind The Beatles), where, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, she is one of the best-selling female artists and sixteenth overall recording artist.

Out There is a 1960 jazz album by Eric Dolphy. It was Dolphy's second album released as band leader, following his time with Charles Mingus. The album features four original compositions by Dolphy, one of which is a collaborative effort with Mingus. The album also features three covers, "Eclipse" by Mingus, "Sketch of Melba" by Randy Weston and "Feathers" by Hale Smith. The cover features a painting by Richard Jennings, referred to as "the Prophet" in Dolphy's album, At the Five Spot.