Understanding

Wallace Roney's most famous mentor was, of course, Miles Davis. It can't be denied that Davis' work and example still influence Roney's music. However, Roney has latched on to the spiking, probing, darker side of Miles' legacy which seems better suited to his musical temperament than does the winsomely lyrical playing of his famous colleague. Roney's latest recording is hard bop at its finest and features the concentrated power coupled with devastating power and originality for which Roney's bands have become known. The band’s set list on this outing is as unique and through-provoking as its playing, offering tunes by Roy Brooks, Duke Pearson, McCoy Tyner as well as some originals by both band members and the leader.