Herbie Mann's return to the Atlantic label in 1985 was only a one-shot deal that got some airplay but not enough sales to convince the now-corporate label to retain its onetime jazz cornerstone. Actually this is one of the better Mann albums aimed at a contemporary market, mostly of a mild funk mindset with a few so-so guest vocals yet always intelligent and musical, with Mann flying in customarily fluent form. The best track is a marvelously atmospheric, almost lost-sounding treatment of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues," outfitted with an irresistible repeated electronic counter-theme. As a bonus, the Latinish leadoff track features guest appearances from once and future Mann associates David "Fathead" Newman and Dave Valentin. Except for a duo project with Valentin for GRP, this would be Mann's last album for a big label - and it is well worth searching out. ~ Richard S. Ginell