by Al Campbell
In Search of the Mystery is one of Gato Barbieri's early fiery sets. It was released on the ESP label and follows that tradition of stunningly chaotic jazz. This hit-and-run date consists of four tracks, all recorded on March 15, 1967. It is relentless, with Barbieri screaming on tenor throughout, backed by an interesting instrumental array of Sirone on bass, Carlo Scott on cello, and Bobby Kapp on drums. Like most ESP dates, this is intense early cutting-edge free jazz, so much so that it continues to be in the early 21st century.