This is a live set of excellent hard bop jazz performed by a sextet of experienced players. Led by the unassuming bassist
Martin Zenker, the real stars are trombonist
Adrian Mears and trumpeter
Valery Ponomarev, who consistently dazzle with scintillating solos. By the time of this recording,
Mears had developed and refined his style, which incorporates a raunchy sound, good range, and a fine technique. The underrated
Ponomarev plays fast and hard, smack in the lineage of
Clifford Brown. Both the trombonist and the trumpeter contribute outstanding compositions, and the Chinese audience responds accordingly. Occasionally, the slower pieces drag a tad, while the swifter ones appeal the most. The rhythm section of
Zenker, drummer
Rick Hollander, and pianist Bernard Pichl are strong in support, while tenor saxophonist
Tim Armacost solos often but rather mundanely. ~ Steve Loewy