The Essence of Mystery is the debut album by American jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon recorded in 1972 and released in 1973 on the Blue Note label.[1]

The Essence of Mystery
Studio album by Alphonse Mouzon
Released	1973
Recorded	December 13, 14 & 15, 1972
Genre	Jazz-Funk
Length	42:15
Label	Blue Note
Alphonse Mouzon chronology
The Essence of Mystery (1973) Funky Snakefoot (1974)

Reception

The AllMusic review by Ron Wynn awarded the album 3 stars stating "Some frenetic drumming and good jazz/rock arrangements".[2]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide	[3]

Track listing

All compositions by Alphonse Mouzon

1. "The Essence of Mystery" - 4:55
2. "Funky Finger" - 3:40
3. "Crying Angels" - 5:23
4. "Why Can't We Make It" - 3:27
5. "Macrobian" - 5:14
6. "Spring Water" - 6:27
7. "Sunflower" - 4:27
8. "Thank You Lord" - 4:02
9. "Antonia" - 4:40

• Recorded at A&R Studios in New York City on December 13, 14 & 15, 1972

Personnel

• Alphonse Mouzon - drums, timpani, tabla, percussion, electric piano, clavinet, Mellotron, vocals
• Buddy Terry - soprano saxophone
• Sonny Fortune - alto saxophone
• Larry Willis - piano, electric piano
• Buster Williams - bass
• Wilbur Bascomb Jr. - electric bass

References