Argentine Gato Barbieri was one of the most important saxophonists to emerge in the early 1970s. A veteran of several important late 60s avant-garde outfits, he perfected the fusion of adventurous blowing and the rhythms of South America on his second album for Flying Dutchman "Fenix".

Recorded in April 1971, it features a stellar line-up which includes drummer Lenny White, bassist Ron Carter and Lonnie Liston Smith on piano, all past or future members of the Miles Davis group. It is rightfully considered to be Barbieri's finest work, but in truth it was part of a glorious run of recordings he made for Flying Dutchman.