In the recent release of Twio, an album created by the trio of Walter Smith III, Harish Raghavan, and Eric Harland, adding special guests Joshua Redman and Christian McBride. Each member of the group speaks with great poise and exuberant individuality, all while coming together to make music that is sweet to the ear.

In “Ask Me Now,” Walter Smith gives us a look at his lexicon of jazz language. While remaining grounded in the melody and even adding a bit of humor, to the beautiful almost nostalgic sounding melody of “On the Trail.” The supremely swaggering bass of Mr. McBride, adds energy as the key center modulates.

Throughout the album, Eric Harland performs incredible rhythmic feel. Ranging from quiet and thoughtful playing on “We’ll Be Together Again,” all the way to the complex, polyrhythmic enlightenment that Harland shares with poignant intensity on “Adam’s Apple.”

Joshua Redman plays fantastically as always. With sultry lines diving into the heart of “On the Trail” and interacting perfectly with Walter Smith III on “Contrafact.” He then plays a solo that takes the listener on a real journey.

Last but not least, Harish Raghavan continually plays in a manner which supports the soloist, and deeply, deeply swings, but simultaneously offers its own story to be heard, moving the listener to feel emotions and think thoughts that only his voice on bass could evoke.

Walter Smith III deserves tremendous credit and respect for what he has accomplished with this record. Not only does he play with great skill and passion, but he has also fostered an environment where other tremendous musicians flourish.

Twio is an utterly stunning album. One that does not sacrifice integrity for sales, or for the sake of being trend-setting or new. It is filled to the brim with the harmonic language of jazz, impactful melody, varying styles, and transcendent feeling delivered through accomplished soloing and impeccable rhythm. Above all else, Twio is some good music.