On this new release, the self-exiled Bronx-born drummer (who moved to Europe years ago in search of more tolerant lands) brings together a group of African-born musicians with longtime collaborator Kieran Hebden (electronics) and keyboardist Boris Netsvetaev. The album that emerges explores a variety of sonic influences including highly improvisational jazz to more Afro-centric moments.

The result is pretty much a well-conducted jam session in which they all show their chops without trying to be taken too seriously. The title track, for instance, follows a repeated keyboard loop around which all musicians improvise—most notably trumpeter Roger Ongolo, who reveals his inner Hugh Masekela with percussionist Khadim Badji. On “Jiggy Jiggy,” probably the most experimental track on the disc, Reid provides a funk-inflected groove in which guitarist Jimi Mbaye revels. Hebdnen cleverly inserts his electronic sounds between the gaps, creating a texture that is both strange and rewarding to the ear.

Daxaar is clearly not a record for purists. Some might find a few of the tunes on the disc a little hard to bear. It is nevertheless a document of Reid’s ability to create great music even if it is mostly unrehearsed.