Circle was a band on fire with creativity. Corea and Holland had just left Miles Davis’s band, keen to explore all parameters of new music in an improvised context. Braxton, equally inspired by Stockhausen and Coltrane, brought in new directions from the AACM. Altschul’s resume included extensive work with Paul Bley. Together they were, for a while, matchless. Melody Maker: “Paris Concert is evidence that here was one of the most excitingly talented bands of recent years.” Recorded 1971.