What makes What It Is! by Kahil El'Zabar notable?

'What It Is!' received critical acclaim for its bold fusion of traditional jazz elements with modern improvisational styles, earning praise from notable publications like DownBeat. The album's exploration of cultural themes and personal expression resonated within the jazz community, reinforcing El'Zabar's role as a vital voice in contemporary jazz. Released in 2013, 'What It Is!' marks a significant entry in Kahil El'Zabar's career, following his work with the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. By this time, El'Zabar had established himself as a prominent figure in free jazz, known for his innovative percussion techniques and deep spiritual influences in music. This album further showcases his evolution as a bandleader and composer.