Donald Brown can certainly play, and his writing always bears the gift of rich harmonies and strong melodies, both qualities in bold relief on such Wurd gems as "Easley Said and Done." You'll find these qualities in abundance on Wurd, as he navigates the crew of trumpeter Bill Mobley, saxmen Manny Boyd and Sam Newsome, bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Billy Drummond and percussionist Daniel Sadownick through the warm waters of nine originals and the title track, on loan from his brother Ramone. The music succeeds because it is rendered with a cohesive and bright sense of service to the music of this considerable composer. - Willard Jenkins.