There's not the epic scope of his big band or the knotty intimacy of Inside Straight, but I reckon McBride grinned the most while recording Conversations, a series of duos in a riotous mixture of styles, celebrating Africa with Angélique Kidjo, all Nuyorican soul with Eddie Palmieri, getting down and dirty with Bach and Regina Carter – you name it, there are joyous messages from every tribe you can imagine and a few you haven't thought of yet. And nor is it all throwaway fun: we also have some of the last recordings of Dr Billy Taylor and Hank Jones who play with all the spiritual and gospel feel that so underwrites McBride's vision. And there are surprises: McBride and diamond tough Roy Hargrove dancing hand in hand through ‘Baubles, Bangles and Beads’ anyone? If you didn't get this CD in the bottom of your Christmas stocking, treat yourself now, it's an album you'll remain in conversation with for years.