While generally known as a trumpet player in both acoustic and electric settings, Nicholas Payton has occasionally dabbled on piano and keyboards, but never as much as on this album with Ron Carter/b, Karriem Riggins/dr and octogenarian guest George Coleman on tenor sax. His horn is in rich form on the funky soul tune of “Hangin’ and Jivin’” highlighted by Riggins’ snappy intro while he supports the big breathy Coleman on piano on “Big George” and the warm ballad “Turn-a Ron”. His keyboards work well with Carter on “Levin’s Lope” and get down and gritty for “God Dust Black Magic”. His intro on piano to “Lullaby for a Lamppost” that leads into his sighing horn on the second part is a lyrical joy, while he gets edgy when plugged in on Herby Hancock’s “Toys”. Payton continues to stretch and explore, mixing the past with the future.