The Compost ensemble was formed, to quote Jack DeJohnette, as "a co-operative band comprised of a group of people who are all versatile and whose egos are directed into positive channels, thereby overcoming the old leadership-versus-sidemen problem." This mission produced only two albums. While the self-titled debut never achieves much of a trajectory, some of the grooves on Life Is Round are nicely refracted-- esp. the Harold Vick cuts, "Seventh Period" and "The Ripper." Lou Courtney even makes an appearance, adding vocals to a tidy song about outer space. Maybe not top-drawer, but still kinda fun. Anyone know whatever became of the Compost-London Space Orchestra (!) coalition albums that DeJohnette promised in Downbeat (Sept 16/72.) And who is Gerald Fitzgerald? [DW]