"Steve Coleman's debut recording as a leader was the beginning of the documentation of his M-Base music on record. Coleman teams up with some of his top associates of the era, including pianist Geri Allen, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith; plus, there are guest appearances by Cassandra Wilson (who sings on "No Good Time Fairies") and trumpeter Graham Haynes. The funky yet creative music has less crowded ensembles than Coleman's upcoming records would, and serves as a fine showcase for the talented and strikingly original altoist who contributed six of the eight numbers." (Allmusic)
"As an originator of the initial soul-funk movement of the '60s when he was with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Golson is eminently qualified to funkify jazz and R&B-flavored instrumental music. Nat Adderley plays cornet alongside Golson's tenor in this, one of his last recordings before he passed away. Always fresh and deep in the groove is pianist Monty Alexander, and acoustic bassist Ray Drummond plays fat notes with ultimate conviction. Also contributing here is genius drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, who lays out rhythms that Bernard Purdie would be envious of". (Michael G. Nastos, Allmusic).
"The renowned bassist and his group are captured at the 1986 Zelt-Music Festival in Freiburg, Germany. Holland was by this time a legendary figure thanks to his contributions to Miles Davis' late-sixties fusion period, as well as celebrated excursions into the avant-garde. In this concert, he focused on more straightforward yet still challenging hard bop, leading a band of front rank jazz musicians (trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, saxophonist Steve Coleman, trombonist Robin Eubanks and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith) through a program of engaging and angular compositions. The music is distinguished by tight ensemble playing and long, meaty solos that explore new ground rather than recycled cliches. The visual presentation is clean and simple, with unobtrusive camerawork and fluid editing that effectively showcase the group's individual players and collective rapport. There are no extras, just good, solid jazz that sounds as compelling now as it did in 1986. That's really all you need." (Dean Brierly)
Heruitgave uit 2003 van album uit 1989. "Larry Coryell will always be best known for arguably being the first fusion guitarist, but his career has been quite wide-ranging ever since the late '60s. On "Shining Hour", he mostly sticks to jazz standards other than his own "Floyd Gets a Gig" and Brian Torff's "Apathy Rains." Several of the selections are identified with Miles Davis including "Nefertiti" and "The Sorcerer" but there are also hard swinging versions of "All the Things You Are" and "My Shining Hour." Coryell, whose playing works well in this (for him) rare setting although he is not really a boppish improviser, interacts with pianist Kenny Barron (who sometimes takes solo honors), bassist Buster Williams and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)
