Drummer/vibraphonist/composer/educator Joe Chambers' Horace to Max is an awesome display of versatility and master musicianship; that's impossible to put away, it gets better with each listen. The distinctive blue-and-black colored cover design is similar to those fine Blue Note records of the 1960s and 1970s. The disc possesses a subtle suggestive theme that can only be described as plain old protest music, showing that times have not really changed; despite being written decades ago, the music's lyrics, meaning and intended audience remain relevant. This is a proactive, uplifting album of contemporary music par excellence that moves along at a tightly arranged and cohesive pace, giving cause to pause and think about the shape of the world.

Chambers' selection of musicians is a big plus, with some of the best, most seasoned players on the scene, including tenor saxophone sensation