The Wolf/Clark nexus is the heart of this album, as the splendidly energetic opening duet of ‘Clark Bar’ attests. ‘Gingerbread Boy’ and a jaggy take on Ornette's ‘Invisible’ are likewise done as drum/piano duets. The whole of the illustrious duo's second album could easily ride on such pairings. Indeed, after their years involved in high flying group projects like The Headhunters or even Arsenio Hall, the intimacy, freedom and sheer joy of straight ahead playing seems to liberate them. But their guests are equally welcome: McBride is his ever rock solid self, Roney sparkles but it's the youthful Johns, just 17 and echoing Haden when he set out at a similarly tender age, and the spiky Niswanger who catch the ear. The programming is equally rich: bop classics like ‘A Night In Tunisia’ or ‘In Walked Bud’ wittily rub shoulders with ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’ and a cheeky ‘1999’. A side project this may be, but its joys for player and punter alike are vividly evident.