Two things will be evident to the listener of this music: composition and performance. Gregg Bendian's compositions are multifaceted, full of time shifts and nifty juxtapositions. The performances offer inspired improvised releases fed from the coiled energies developed from the compositions. What won't be evident to the listener is the visual projection of the group. Gregg Bendian is both player/composer and conductor. Paul Smoker is both solo trumpet and first trumpet, Vinny Golia a reed charger and bleacher rooter and Mark Dresser inventive timekeeper and anchor.

On the day that Gregg Bendian and his merry men arrived to do this recording the Northcountry was under many feet of snow and the temperature had hit -18°F. Leading a group of leaders, the warmth of fellowship, the heat of the music and its inspiration made, at least for these moments, all seem right in the world. And when they departed two days later, the temperature had sunk to -25°F, hardly piercing the warmth and artistry of a job masterfullydone.

Robert D. Rusch