Dick Hafer
, a veteran tenor-saxophonist best-known for his association with
Woody Herman's Orchestra
in the early 1950's, made a big impression with his 1994 tribute to
Lester Young
for Fresh Sound (
Prez Impressions
). A fine cool-toned tenor in
the Four Brothers
tradition,
Hafer
finally had the opportunity to star in a quartet session. As it turned out, that was
Dick Hafer's
second opportunity. His Progressive CD, which was released in 1996, was actually recorded back in 1991. For this set,
is joined by
Johnny Varro
(one of the top swing pianists of the past 30 years), bassist
Johnny Leitham
and the late drummer
Gene Estes
for a varied program filled not only with swing and bop standards but
Al Cohn's
"High On You,"
Bob Enevoldsen's
"Three Bop" and
Estes'
"Forever After"; the latter is based on "After You've Gone." While
purposely emulated
on the Fresh Sound date, on his Progressive album he sounds more like himself, playing in the same genre as
Zoot Sims
and
Al Cohn
. The mix of swinging pieces and ballads works quite well with the highlights including "The Love Nest," "Lullaby In Rhythm" and "The Man I Love." ~ Scott Yanow