Bassist Dave Holland and his various band configurations have left a phenomenal track record on ECM, but this 1972 session with Sam Rivers and Anthony Braxton (both playing reeds and flutes) and percussionist Barry Altschul is among the most captivating of the label’s early releases. Even though “free jazz” rolls off the tongue to describe Conference of the Birds, there is plenty of fluent banter to enjoy, especially in “Four Winds” and “See-Saw.” What makes this a classic is its spirit of liberation, downright archaeological significance in Holland’s output, and uplifting atmosphere. There’s nothing quite like it.

– Tyran Grillo