The music on this CD is dedicated to the Dogon people of Mali in West Africa. The originals (by altoist
Jackie McLean, trombonist
Steve Davis, and pianist Alan Palmer) are challenging but swinging, and inspire the septet members, who also include trumpeter
Roy Hargrove, vibraphonist
Steve Nelson, bassist Nat Reeves, and drummer
Eric McPherson. The sound of the group (with trombone and vibes) is a throwback of sorts to
McLean's mid-'60s recordings on Blue Note, although the music is not quite as explorative.
Jackie McLean is in fine form, and it is good to hear
Hargrove playing in this advanced setting. Worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow