Davis's second recording since ending his six-year retirement was one of his best of the 1980s. Unlike his bands from the 1970s, this particular unit leaves plenty of space and plays much more melodically. Guitarist
Mike Stern lets loose some fury, but electric bassist
Marcus Miller is not reluctant to walk now and then in a straight-ahead fashion, drummer
Al Foster and percussionist
Mino Cinelu are tasteful, and
Bill Evans gets in a few good spots on soprano. As for
Davis, he was gradually regaining his earlier form. This double LP is highlighted by "Back Seat Betty," a side-long investigation of "My Man's Gone Now" and two versions of
Davis's childlike "Jean Pierre." ~ Scott Yanow