Ackerman's composing, lyrical and swinging, is a highlight of the disc. The bouncy and somewhat angular opening track serves as a clear-cut introduction to the piano-less trio's concept: wide open space, highlighting intuitive group interplay. Crane's up-in-the-mix bass lines and Taylor's subtle percussive pulse compliment the melodic and improvised turns of Ackerman, who is equally effective on alto, flute and clarinet.
The bossa-to-swing groove of "Dexter's Thing" and easy flow of "LTD's Ballad" feature Ackerman's rich clarinet tone and Crane's lucid, perhaps Ron Carter-inspired, bass flourishes. "My Response (K.G.)" and "Inventions I and II" present a more free form approach while maintaining an accessible aesthetic. Taylor's patient, yet always present approach allows the leader to express himself while letting his trio-mates shine--a quality sorely missed from so many drummer-led recordings.
Ackerman's "Lauren’s Waltz," a soft musical cushion featuring light brushwork and flowing bebop lines, closes a satisfying disc worthy of repeated listening.
