After four years of regular live performances around the New York area, George Schuller's Circle Wide makes its recorded debut, documenting what AllAboutJazz calls their "rigorous, unpredictable approach to group improvisation." Round 'Bout Now pays tribute to Miles Davis' pre-fusion transitional period of the late 60s, as documented on records like Circle in the Round, Filles de Kilimanjaro, Water Babies and In A Silent Way. Included are Schuller's arrangements of Miles' "Side Car," "Circle in the Round," and "Filles de Kilimanjaro," as well as original works that use that period as a musical jumping off point. "The thing that makes this date magical is the way the horns often float above the vibes/bass/drums, moving in exquisite waves together ... This is a fine date that simmers and sizzles nicely without ever getting too intense, yet remains engaging throughout." — Downtown Music Gallery "... utterly contemporary in its expansive embrace of ethnic and multicultural tones. Percussionist/bandleader Schuller has assembled a terrific ensemble, including saxophonist Donny McCaslin, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and vibist Tom Beckham, and guest musicians Matt Darriau (kaval, bass clarinet) and guitar Pete McCann provide colorful touches to the effort, which imagines what sort of approach Davis would bring to his sound if he were alive today.” — Berkshire Eagle "Round ‘Bout Now succeeds in capturing the essence of a more or less overlooked period in Miles’ evolution. Thoughtful, articulate and inspired, Schuller and the group clearly understand the way in which Miles was carefully pushing things in new directions. And, like Miles, while they incorporate inspirations from other sources, their take is altogether unique; this is an album that, without being aggressive about it, pushes the boundaries of group improvisation." — AllAboutJazz "The disc crackles from the tension between acoustic and electric instruments, between yearning, melancholy post-bop and early, non-funky, darkly ambient fusion, between bidding goodbye to one epoch and saying hello to another, then forget if it’s coming-or-going." — Jazz Review "We, who've followed the guru [Mile Davis], bow to this most personal post-Miles with unique Schuller inventiveness and astute musicians who add spice to this 'bout now." — Dick Crockett bopndick@yahoo.com "Although Davis' music from that era is gradually being rediscovered, relatively few musicians have chosen to expand upon it and be creative within the genre. Schuller's group succeeds admirably." — All Music Guide "Drummer George Schuller is a significant member of today’s progressive jazz scene. Whether performing as a sideman or leading his own projects, Schuller’s pen represents a potent and forward thinking mindset, as he usually surrounds himself with his peers, witnessed here.” — Jazzreview.com “The streamlined, graceful fusion they turn out still sounds recognizably Milesian, though also surprisingly fresh and sharp. Replacing electric/acoustic piano with Beckham’s vibes was a brilliant idea and it gives this music a fleet, cool feel, not entirely unlike the Dave Holland Quintet…the ensemble work is reason enough to seek this recording out.” — Jazztimes