"Feel is one of those intangibles that jazz fans often give as a reason for liking some music but not other. When pushed, few of us could define it, but we all know it when we hear it. This album has it.
Dating from December 2000, it was recorded following a summer tour of the UK by Berlin Vibe, the Anglo-German quartet Theo Travis put together for the tour. Old associates Travis and Beaujolais - they go back nearly a decade - are joined by Bjorn Lucker on drums and Stefan Weeke on bass. Travis selected Lucker for his "relaxed feel and sensitive playing" and Weeke because his playing is "strong, melodic, imaginitive and supportive", both decisions amply jusitified by the results. This sounds like a band that has toured together.
The music here is mellow, melodic and swinging throughout. Travis has a warm, gentle tone, whether on tenor or soprano, that blends well with the vibes to produce a very laid-back feel. When he plays flute, there is an incisiveness that commands attention, as on his own "Everything Matters" or the Beaujolais composition "Some Things Just Happen", on which the flute is just the ingredient it needs to avert bland pleasantness.
The album walks that fine line between predictability and creativity, but manages to stay on the right side of it. The most adventurous piece here, Anthony Cox's "Conclusion/Beginning", is also the best, providing a showcase for all four players. It's looseness provides a welcome contrast the the tight arrangements of some of the other material. It never loses its swing but it also prevents the album becoming just too comfortable.

John Eyles, Jazz Rag