Praising a previous incarnation of Steve Swallows quintet, The Times of London described the band as near a perfect display of small-group jazz robust yet exquisitely poised.

The description holds true for the latest edition of the bassists quintet and its album Into the Woodwork. Swallow leads the group including his longtime partner in music and life, Carla Bley, on organ in multi-hued performances of a dozen original compositions from his pen.