Cipher Syntax

Cipher Syntax is an album by Strata Institute, an M-Base group led by saxophonists Greg Osby and Steve Coleman, recorded in 1988 and released on the JMT label.

Cipher Syntax
Studio album by Strata Institute
Released	1989
Recorded	March–April 1988
Studio	Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York
Genre	Jazz
Length	51:49
Label	JMT JMT 834 425
Producer	Greg Osby & Steve Coleman
Greg Osby chronology
Mindgames (1988) Cipher Syntax (1989) Season of Renewal (1990)
Steve Coleman chronology
Sine Die (1988) Cipher Syntax (1989) Rhythm People (1990)

Reception

The AllMusic review by Michael G. Nastos states, "An acquired taste, but still excellent".

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic

Track listing

All compositions by Steve Coleman except as indicated

1. "Slang" - 9:18
2. "Bed Stuy" - 7:08
3. "Turn of Events" (Greg Osby) - 3:23
4. "Decrepidus" (Osby) - 3:49
5. "Ihgnat Down" (Strata Institute) - 2:23
6. "Micro-Move" - 4:17
7. "Wild" - 3:04
8. "Humantic" (Osby) - 7:19
9. "Abacus" - 7:28
10. "Ihgnat" (Strata Institute) - 3:27

Personnel

• Steve Coleman - alto saxophone
• Greg Osby - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
• David Gilmore - electric guitar (tracks 1-3, 5 & 8-10)
• Bob Hurst - acoustic bass (tracks 1-5 & 7-10)
• Marvin "Smitty" Smith (tracks 1-3, 5 & 7-10), Tani Tabbal (tracks 1, 4, 8 & 9) - drums