For this set, the two young trombonists
Wycliffe Gordon and
Ron Westray provide plenty of fireworks both in their individual solos (which are consistently colorful) and in the ensembles. Teamed up with pianist
Marcus Roberts, bassist Reginald Veal and drummer
Herlin Riley,
Gordon and
Westray perform 11 originals that they wrote or co-wrote. The music sometimes looks toward the swing tradition but also has some post bop and fairly free selections. The extroverted personalities (and occasional humor) of the co-leaders make this often-rambunctious set of strong interest. ~ Scott Yanow