All Music Guide Rating ****

This CD denotes the second of two appearances at the famous London, England jazz spot. With this effort, master drummer Steve Smith performs with ex-Buddy Rich band members, saxophonists Steve Marcus, Andy Fusco and other notables. Nonetheless, Smith drives this quintet thru a set of largely, jazz standards such as Coltrane's 3Moments Notice," and Sonny Rollins' 3Airegin." However, as intimated in the liner notes, the band does offer a small scale footprint of the Rich big band's rapidly paced stride and acute use of dynamics.

In any event, the musicians convey a tight knit, upbeat groove, regardless of tempo. Everyone gets an opportunity to stretch yet one of the more noticeable aspects of this release pertains to Smith's flawlessly constructed rhythms. Even his solos are somewhat patterned after Rich's lightning fast fills, cross sticking maneuvers and sweeping tom rolls. A highly entertaining effort, indeed!

Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide