Altoist
Kenny Garrett, who was then a key member of
Miles Davis' group, had one of his strongest early sets as a leader on this Atlantic disc. "Ja-Hed" features his post-bop improvising over the chord changes of "Impressions," the is both lighthearted and adventurous on "Mack the Knife" and the title cut has
Garrett expertly building up an emotional solo from intense long tones to sound explorations and late period
'Trane screams. Throughout the CD,
Kenny Garrett's alto is the main attraction but the strong rhythm section (comprised of pianist
Mulgrew Miller, either
Charnett Moffett or
Ron Carter on bass,
Tony Reedus or
Elvin Jones on drums and occasional percussionists) should not be overlooked. Whether it be the modal tribute piece "Shaw," the rarely played
Coltrane song "Straight Street" or the minor blues "Nostradamus,"
Kenny Garrett justifies the praise that he received from
Miles Davis. ~ Scott Yanow