"Lou Grassi's improvising "PoBand" aggregation, join forces with famed "Art Ensemble of Chicago" saxophonist, Joseph Jarman on this effervescent release titled, Joy of Being. . . the ensemble soars skyward via a free flight methodology. . . there are quaintly organized passages brimming with fluttering notes and softly stated themes. Simply put, the PoBand is at the top of its game with this altogether stirring release. Recommended." Glenn Astarita allaboutjazz.com

"Special guest Joseph Jarman is in top form . . . This is a powerhouse group, and the more expansive tonal palette provides plenty of animation and creative interaction. Everyone involved contributes substantial solos, and the collective ensembles are stimulating and lively. Joy of Being often reaches the transcendent and transformational space staked out by the true greats of this art form."
Bill Barton Signal to Noise

"There is a wealth of collective improvisation on this album, but it is intelligently developed as a group effort with each musician hearing and interacting acutely with the others. So there is direction as opposed to chaos even though that path is being carved with machete-like slices in the moment. The recording is about interaction of mind and spirit. Throughout you find the musicians pairing off in duo exchanges of free speech, which then encourages the others to jump in to make it a real party line.
The motivational force of the PoBand, however, derives from Grassi. He is able to apply shading and color, or he can open it up with eruptive blasts of energy, with both scenarios being substantial additives to the movement. Although everyone is speaking freely, Grassi acts as a subtle guidepost to mark the lie of the land for the others to venture. The pace is slowed or hurried at his insistence, and the output in both examples is stimulating. Grassi has a commanding vehicle in his hands with the PoBand, and he is able to steer it decisively to achieve extremely creative results. As the title suggests, it is a joyous encounter."Frank Rubolino One Final Note

"To some listeners the usual absence of compositions in the traditional sense might be construed as a stumbling block, but to Grassi and his cohorts it's simply another means of raising the bar both for themselves and their audience. The formula of adding a guest artist to its line-up affords another avenue to keep things fresh . . . This time out Joseph Jarman fills the hot seat and, as in the past, the band shapes its sound to the added and estimable presence. Across all of the tracks there's a glorious range of exuberant music making and Jarman's individualized sound jibes well with the group. With projects such as this one, the PoBand's continued lifespan seems all but assured." Derek Taylor Cadence  

"On Joy of Being, Lou Grassi brings in Art Ensemble of Chicago veteran Joseph Jarman as the guest for his PoBand. As with other PoBand recordings, this one demonstrates the variety of sounds and moods available to sensitive free improvisers. Even the long opening free jam is delivered with a twist as the ensemble keeps a lid on the volume while still building intensity. The shimmering "Zephyr" demonstrates that impressionistic beauty is not at odds with free improvisation. Elsewhere the band shows it can blow loud and raucous. Throughout, Grassi, on drums, keeps everything going with his rumbling tap dancing on Rollerblades style."
David Dupont allmusicguidetojazz.com