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"Delfeayo's Dilemma" by Wynton Marsalis opens the album, a burner of a tune, kind of open harmonically, and perhaps the hardest tune to follow on the record.

"Night And Day" by Cole Porter is really good here, very playful and cool. Garrett streches out, takes his time and makes it his tune. The soloing is absolutely top notch, the build-up of the solo is masterful.

"Giant Steps" by the great, late John Coltrane is next, played in a really up-beat manner, nodding at the version that is to come on the "Pursuance:..." album. Garrett once again takes his time, plays with the melody for a long time. It is truly a great tune, and Garrett pays due before he also here manages to build a truly interesting solo.

"A Time For Love", a beautiful, beautiful ballad by Johnny Mandel and Paul Francis Webster, is given the really slow treatment here, Garrett is really singing, Brian Blade is as tasteful as ever on the drums (brushes). A welcome break in the up-beat program.

"Wayne's Thang", one of Kenny Garrett's signature tunes, is up next. It has a kind of second-line groove, a simple bass ostinato that goes through three chords, and a melody which is quite funny. Garrett is playing excellent here, he is so much fun to listen to! He works for a long time with his ideas, letting the song grow, building and building towards a climax with several long, high notes that leaves you gasping for air, before he takes us back to earth.

"Pressing The Issue" by Mulgrew Miller is a tune that may take some listening to truly appreciate, but once you do, its intricate turns and original melody and groove changing is about to please big time.

"Koranne Said" is another Kenny Garrett original, a very singable tune in a somewhat upbeat manner. It boasts, as usual on his originals, exceptional playing by Garrett.

"Oriental Towaway Zone" introduces Garrett's trademark-to-be toying with Eastern motifs and scales. It is an interesting number toward the end of a great album.

"In Your Own Sweet Way", the Dave Brubeck standard, is given a cool treatment. It's sort of low-down, but takes a strong build through the soloing, where Garrett sings, double-times, has fun. Garrett once again is comfortable with the tune, playing with the melody, and making a strong, personal solo. His choice of standards on this album really fits his style, or; he manages to make every tune his own like a true master.

"What Is This Thing Called Love", another Cole Porter song, is the closing number on the album, played really fast and with plenty of vigor.

The album leaves you sort of exhausted, because listening the whole album through, with the open trio format and very modern playing requires a lot of attention to truly appreciate. This being said, it is a monster album, and every jazz fan should buy it!

Personnel:

Kenny Garrett - alto saxophone

Kiyoshi Kitagawa - bass

Brian Blade - drums