This set is one of
Branford Marsalis' strongest of the 1990s.
Marsalis really stretches out on eight numbers including six of his originals (the other two songs are by bassist
Bob Hurst). There is one guest appearance apiece from brother-trumpeter
Wynton and tenor saxophonist
Courtney Pine but otherwise
Branford is accompanied only by
Hurst and drummer
Jeff "Tain" Watts. His playing is often reminiscent in style (but not really sound) of
John Coltrane, he is more concise and disciplined than in some of his early-'90s concert appearances and
Marsalis is at his most explorative on this inventive blowing session. ~ Scott Yanow