The second disc of 2005's Twi-Life saw Marcus Strickland dispense with traditional jazz quartet format and go with a sax-drum-electric bass-guitar foursome. The sound was interesting and ambitious, but still somewhat of an embryo. Two years later, with the release of Open Reel Deck, Strickland (with the same formatted quartet) is still reaching and probing and testing boundaries and concoctions. The difference is that the overall product is more mature and sure of itself and the proof is in his compositions. Ever since he came on the scene as a pup in 2001 with At Last, what set Strickland apart from his peers was and still is his writing. More than his playing – which is more astute, personal and impassioned than ever – Strickland's writing is his own personal hallmark, something apparent on this album.