Braxton has had so many notable bands in his lengthy career that it is difficult to single out a particular ensemble, but this is really something of a dream team. As two great intellectual composers, leader Braxton and sideman George Lewis are well-suited partners. What is surprising is how well the latter improvises, bringing to the music a striking level of melodic wit and textural invention, often in concise but memorable statements. These two strong horns imbue the session with a crackling dynamism that is well framed by the responsive drums-bass partnership of Dave Holland and Barry Altschul. They form a rhythm section that is fully integrated into arrangements that sashay joyfully over a broad historical landscape, thus plotting a fascinating course through New Orleans swing, Mingusian free-bop and experimental sounds. Braxtonites may well know the music, but newcomers have much to gain by it.