Canadian-based Nick Maclean leads a vintage Blue Note-inspired ensemble of Brownman Ali/tp, Ben Duff/b Jacob Wutzke/dr and a handful of guests through a hard bopping mix of original and Herbie Hancock covers. In fact, the whole album feels like Hancock circa early 60s, especially with a firebrand like Ali on trumpet, who has the confidence and power akin to Lee Morgan or Freddie Hubbard.
Of the originals Ali sizzles over the bouncing beat of “Road Warrior”, splats like a thrown water balloon after Duff’s intro on the assertive ‘Verboten” and glows with an echo on the pretty “Lie Of Easy Attainment”. The Hancock pen is as mighty as the sword, as Duff digs in on the swift “Dolphin Dance”, Maclean runs wild on a galloping “Eye Of The Hurricane” and the team reflects a warm soul on “Butterfly”. The album changes gears for a fire-breathing dragon take on the Latin-charged “Wisdom Of Aurelilus”, wrapping up a tight and testosteroned package.