Bakir moves easily from a classic Kenny Burrell-style, especially on chord melody passages (title track and "Steps"), to a more modern, linear approach in the mold of John Scofield ("Stop n' Go," "Karma"). The guitarist effectively mixes bebop lines with chromatic trills, relying heavily on guitaristic hammer-ons and pull-offs, to create a unique voice void of direct imitation. The full effect of Bakir's approach can be felt on the dirge-like ballad "Evergreen."
Kneeland, with his deep-in-the-wood tone, cuts through the harmonically-rich ballad "Ice Orbits" with an inventive solo turn. The bassist then displays even more technical brilliance on the Latin-tinged "Steps," paving the way for one of Bakir's more inspired improvised journeys from the session, and the up-tempo "Play." The disc as a whole benefits from Kneeland being featured prominently.
Ferber's sensitive drumming provides the right amount of dynamic push throughout the proceedings, elevating each piece to a high level of musicality.
