The Source and Different Cikadas - Trygve Seim, Oyvind Braekke, Per Oddvar Johansen.

WARNING - this CD is not for the squeamish.

Prepare yourself for an aural challenge, but do not even consider attempting this challenge if your musical preferences are pushed by Beethoven.

This album is the Tequila Slammer of the drinks cabinet.

The Source is a collective of Norwegian musicians joined by a string quartet and various others when needed.

Instrumentation includes trombone, saxophones and clarophone (tenor saxophone with a bass clarinet mouthpiece), accordion and bass trombone over and above the regular rhythm section, although nothing about this music is "normal".

The musicians are a leaderless group, fun on democratic principles and embracing a myriad of styles and concepts which is why it makes it very difficult to pinhole them.

They have been influenced by Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Jan Garbarek, Stockhausen and Cage as well as Eastern influences.

The recording begins with some sliding string sounds which are very interesting to listen to, but difficult on the ear.

The second track, however, was stunning.

The sounds created by the instruments and particularly the muted trumpet were simply beautiful, and from that point onwards there was never a dull moment.

Each track is highly individual. The combination of instruments used is constantly varied and, because each piece has been "composed" by a variety of musicians, there is a huge sense of eclecticism and unpredictability.

If improvisation and experimental music appeal to you I cannot think of a finer example of world-class musicians with fascinating ideas and talent to be appreciated.

It is tough going, but then, as the saying goes, there's no gain without pain.

ECM 014 432-2