This CD denotes the second of two appearances at the famous London, England jazz spot. With this effort, master drummer
Steve Smith performs with ex-
Buddy Rich bandmembers, saxophonists
Steve Marcus,
Andy Fusco, and other notables. Nonetheless,
Smith drives this quintet thru a set of largely jazz standards such as
Coltrane's "Moments Notice," and
Sonny Rollins' "Airegin." However, as intimated in the liner notes, the band does offer a small scale footprint of the
Rich big band's rapidly paced stride and acute use of dynamics. In any event, the musicians convey a tight-knit, upbeat groove, regardless of tempo. Everyone gets an opportunity to stretch; yet one of the more noticeable aspects of this release pertains to
Smith's flawlessly constructed rhythms. Even his solos are somewhat patterned after
Rich's lightning-fast fills, cross-sticking maneuvers, and sweeping tom rolls. A highly entertaining effort, indeed! ~ Glenn Astarita