The high point of
Branford Marsalis' third Columbia release as a leader is a 15-minute version of
Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks" played in a trio with pianist
Herbie Hancock and bassist
Buster Williams. The remainder of the program matches
Marsalis with pianist
Kenny Kirkland, bassist
Bob Hurst, and drummer
Tony Williams on a pair of standards ("Just One of Those Things" and a live version of "St. Thomas"),
J.J. Johnson's "Lament," and originals by
Marsalis and
Williams. Although he did not have an immediately recognizable sound on tenor and soprano at this point, it was obvious from nearly the start that
Branford Marsalis would have a very significant career. This is one of his better early efforts. ~ Scott Yanow