Evolution is one of the best, if not the best, examples of Tommy Smith at the top of his game. Surrounded by some of New York's top jazz musicians plus the late John Taylor, one of Europe's top jazz pianists, this album is well-conceived and executed. The music, all originals written by Smith, was inspired by the poetry of Edwin Morgan, (Scotland's first official Poet Laureate, who died in 2010) and are challenging, edgy and bring the best out of the improvisors.

Each composition is inspired by a Morgan poem which is reproduced in the text for context. Originally produced in 2003, this repackaged reissue opens with both Smith and Lovano seamlessly moving from abstraction into the the theme of ‘Juggernaut 1600 AD’. Solos from Smith and Lovano over a broken rhythm grab the attention, which in fairness is never allowed to wane throughout the whole recording. Moving through a series of intriguingly-titled pieces, such as ‘On the Way to Barnard's Star’, ‘Darwin in the Galapagos 1835 AD' and ‘Sputnik's Tale’, this is a minor classic if ever there was one.