Carlos Niño & Friends' ninth overall release is another self-described "Spiritual, Improvisational, Space Collage" featuring contributions from an extensive cast of remarkable jazz, new age, and electronic musicians. Percussionist and "communicator" Niño is the sole constant figure appearing on each track, mixing and editing the performances and serving as a spiritual guide. The album is set in motion with "Pleasewakeupalittlefaster, please...," which features a relaxed, steady piano sequence played by Jamael Dean, gradually joined by additional keyboard parts and Niño's billowing percussion. Subsequent tracks are loose, playful collisions of free-form rhythms and wavelike textures, sometimes getting caught up in an ecstatic frenzy and other times going with the flow. "Nightswimming" begins with trickling modular synths by Dntel in addition to Dean's sparkling piano notes, then sturdy beats by Jira >< snap the track into focus during its second half. "Now the background is the foreground." begins with an unsteady skitter of drum machines and effects, then gradually airs out, letting Aaron Shaw's understated, somewhat melancholy tenor sax shine through. Jamire Williams' energetic drumming instantly makes "Salon Winds" one of the album's most exciting moments, and Nate Mercereau's warped guitar synth textures help take it to a stranger place. A guest appearance from master zither player and laughter meditation guru Laraaji as well as a collage sampling the words of original new ager Iasos both balance spiritual awareness with utter trippiness. The opening track is reprised at the end as "Please, wake up.," this time featuring lead tenor sax by the mighty Shabaka Hutchings, although Dean's piano continues to emotionally drive the piece. Like all of the other Niño & Friends releases, you're never sure where you're going with this one, but you can always feel safe that it's a peaceful, welcoming, and spiritually enlightening place.