This is a particularly well-constructed session by pianist
Billy Taylor
who is featured in a combo with bassist
Christian McBride
, drummer
Marvin "Smitty" Smith
, the congas of
Ray Mantilla
and, on three songs, tenor-saxophonist
Stanley Turrentine
;
Grady Tate
also contributes two warm ballad vocals. All nine songs were composed by
Taylor
(including three pieces taken from a more extended work in tribute to
Martin Luther King
) and the results are melodic, boppish and swinging. ~ Scott Yanow