While the title of this set is the equivalent of the "It was all a dream" gimmick of storytelling, the music is here is totally free from clich�s and in some tracks even redefines what can be done within the confines of composed jazz fare.

Led by bassist Eric Revis, this is a strange two-sax, drums and bass set (three saxes, with Branford Marsalis, Revis' long-time employer, who guests on two tracks). It somehow still works, despite the reed-heavy sound. That is in large part due to the individuality of the reed players involved. Bill McHenry's driving, robust sound in contrast to Darius Jones lighter, swifter approach. When Marsalis shows up (on "Unknown" and "Tulip Chronicles (Pt. II, Ephemeral Canvas)" the reeds are even more up-front. The cuts on which Marsalis appears (on soprano) are not the most attractive of the set, although they have their appealing qualities as the three horns meet in confluent ecstatic yet restrained fashion.

The band has its own sense of rhythm and swing, nothing hackneyed and trite here. The rhythm section is as solid as can be wished, with Revis' burly bass filling out the bottom, and Chad Taylor's always creative drumming. A touch of reggae in spots, a heavier rock element in others, but there is also lots of fresh sounding compositional thinking in the arrangements. This is not just a head-solo-head blowing session. The music breathes as a result and makes this worthwhile.