Herlin Riley takes some time off from his drumming chair with Wynton Marsalis to lead a tasty small band and show what how to master the sticks. His band of Emmet Cohen/p, Russell Hall/b, Godwin Louis/as and Bruce Harris/tp are hard bop crisp, soulful on the gospel clapper “Rush Hour” and vintage in Blue Note form as Riley rides the cymbals on “Borders Without Lines.” His tom tom work creates a film noir atmosphere with muted trumpet for “Touched” and with Harris still on the Harmon he has the team get into a festive dance for “Perpetual Optimism.” Louis is bright and shiney and Hall is nimble as the weave around for “Be There When I Get There” and the team gives a romantic slither for “Wings and Roots.” In a trio format Cohen is romantic and Riley lays down a luscious pulse for “Stella By Starlight.” This guy creates a mood with his band like they were a green screen. Wonderful workshop.