A lasting classic from drummer Doug Hammond – maybe one of his most widely-circulated records, even though the whole set is still relatively obscure! That doesn't stop the music from being great, though – and the whole thing is a great bridge between the New York loft jazz years of the 70s, where Doug was a key performer – and some of the later soulful styles of jazz expression that would flourish in the 80s – a kind of new confidence brought back to the mainstream, with subtle messages really creating power in the music! Much of the record is more inside than you might expect, but still swings with a real edge – very much in the early 80s spirit of Black Saint/Soul Note – and Hammond works with a very cool shifting lineup of musicians, which creates a special flavor for each track on the set. Musicians include Marvin Blackman on alto and tenor, Hubert Eaves on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, Byard Lancaster on alto, Karen Joseph on flute, and Muneer Abdul Fataah on cello – and the record features vocal performances from both Bessie Carter and Angie Bofill – the later of whom is a real surprise on a record like this. Titles include "Togetherness", "What's Happening Now", "Folks", "Perspicuity", "Pony Pone", and "Kone Pone". LP, Vinyl record album