After years of playing avant-garde jazz and post-bop music, Jay Hoggard returned to the straight-ahead bop-oriented tradition with this CD. On "Put on a Happy Face," a swinging "Blues Bags," and a medium-tempo version of Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear," Hoggard emulates Milt Jackson a bit. He also sounds quite comfortable playing Afro-Cuban jazz on "Aguacate" and his solos on the two other swinging originals is very much hard bop, although never overly predictable. Pianist Geri Allen, sounding more conservative than usual, is nevertheless still a stimulating soloist and accompanist, with bassist Ed Rozie and drummer Frederick Waits keeping the music swinging and moving.

Jay Hoggard's lone date for Contemporary (reissued as an OJC CD) was one of the vibraphonist's finest early sets. The music (all six songs are Hoggard originals) falls into the area of advanced hard bop. Chief among the sidemen are Chico Freeman (heard on tenor, soprano and bass clarinet), keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, and colorful percussionist Paulinho Da Costa; two songs utilize three vocalists, and there is a strong African feel to some of the ensembles.

Vibraphonist Jay Hoggard gained his initial recognition for his playing in avant-garde and adventurous settings. By the late 80s, Hoggard had decided to explore hard bop and straight-ahead jazz. On this out of print but worthy CD, the vibraphonist recalls Bobby Hutcherson and Milt Jackson in spots, swinging on a variety of originals, Stevie Wonder's "You And I" and "Sonny's Themes" (which covers Sonny Rollins' "Alfie" and "Sonnymoon for Two"). The young Benny Green is a major asset on piano, bassist Marcus McLaurine and drummer Yoron Israel are excellent in support, and Hoggard's songs are full of variety and color.