The heavyweight support on American multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Greene's latest release are long-term acquaintances, who since recording with Greene, have developed high-profile careers. Pianist Aaron Goldberg appeared on Greene's first album 20 years ago and drummer Kendrick Scott recorded with Greene in 2008. Guitarist Lage Lund, bassist Reuben Rogers and vibraphonist Stefon Harris were all on Greene's Mission Statement album, which was recorded the following year.

This release, his third as a leader since his daughter was killed at Sandy Hook in 2012, finds Greene emerging from tragedy and taking stock with a dream-team band at the top of their game. Goldberg, fluent on piano and biting on Fender Rhodes, dovetails with Lund's guitar and Harris’ marimba and vibes and all three push their solos to the edge, fired up by the power of Rogers’ and Scott's finesse.

Seven of the songs are originals, and most showcase Greene's fluency and depth of tone on tenor sax. He delivers spirituality and control on the moody pedal-point ‘No Words’, uplift and tension on ‘Always There’ and resilience and speed on ‘Overreaction.’ The title track delivers a pensive theme over neat harmonies and ‘Simple Prayer’ is an upbeat ending to a fine CD.

The album opens with Greene on soprano sax on a cover of ‘So in Love’, and there are two ballads, which both stand out. The Whitney Houston pop hit ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ is rendered bittersweet, but the highlight is a trio version of ‘Good Morning Heartache’ with Greene digging into the melody with a breathy tone supported by exemplary bass and brush-stroke drums.