In 2010 Mark Jansen (Epica) started a project together with Jack Driessen and Sander Gommans (both ex-After Forever) to produce some heavy and technical Death Metal combined with symphonic arrangements. Ariën van Weesenbeek (Epica), Isaac Delahaye (Epica) and Jeroen Paul Thesseling (Pestilence, Obscura) complete the line-up and Mayan was born. As the music asked for more, Floor Jansen (Revamp, ex-After Forever), Simone Simons (Epica), Henning Basse (Sons Of Seasons) and Italian Opera singer Laura Macri guest on the album.

Jackie McLean's slightly acidic tone on alto can be instantly identified. He perfectly symbolizes the intensity, passion, excitement and urgency of New York in the 1960s. Born in 1932 and part of the musical generation that matured in the shadow of Charlie Parker, McLean served his apprenticeship at the very top, recording with the likes of Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and Art Blakey. ~ AllMusic

Guitarist Barney Kessel recorded regularly for the Contemporary label during 1953-1961, one gem after another. In 1969 he returned to Lester Koenig's label for this lone effort, a quartet set with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Chuck Domanico, and drummer Elvin Jones. The music is fairly free, particularly Kessel's four originals (which include "Blues, Up, Down & All Around" and "Two Note Samba" ). ~ AllMusic