Delfeayo Marsalis' long-overdue second recording finds the trombonist still heavily influenced by his idol, J.J. Johnson, but also displaying an increasingly original personality. A quintet date with Mark Gross on alto and soprano and a Japanese rhythm section (plus guest spots for Branford and Ellis Marsalis), the date alternates standards such as "Too Marvelous for Words" and "Summertime" with passionate originals including the intense "Miyamoto Musashi" and "Queen Himiko." Throughout the set, Marsalis shows the willingness to take chances and stretch himself, and the result is consistently stirring post-bop music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
