“Black and Diamond’s augmenting of their in-the-moment work stops short of straightforward overdubbing and has the effect of deepening their spontaneity and the acute degree to which they are a meeting of musical minds. The results are several country miles from the surface bluster that for me mars so much of the music that slots too easily into the contemporary jazz category.”

“No matter which direction the quartet or the individual members go, their music always has a warm welcoming feeling - hearing it is like running into an old friend who’s ecstatic to see you.”

“The combination of the two tenors is extraordinary....The Music is spirited and passionate throughout”

“They embrace a buoyancy and airiness that most contemporary saxophonists avoid in favor of something heavier and more fiery; together they evoke Lennie Tristano acolytes Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz - in their timbre, in their elegant unison lines, and in the way they solo together, braiding improvised lines that effortlessly shimmer and float.”

“I cannot overstate the magnificence of the hour of music they provided”

“THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ALBUMS I’VE HEARD IN A LOT OF YEARS. THE MUSIC IS AT THE SAME TIME WONDERFULLY FRESH AND YET COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN RECORDED 60 YEARS AGO.

”THERE ARE HINTS AND NOTES OF PHAROAH SANDERS AND CHARLES LLOYD.”

”STUNNING.”

“Mandala is one of those post-bop albums that executes everything it needs to well, not only because Black and Diamond are great composers, but also because they can lead this quartet of excellent players well. It’s an efficient album that will consistently please.”