The previously unreleased privately recorded material included on this 1996 CD features the obscure but talented bassist
Ralph Pena
performing five spirited duets with pianist
Pete Jolly
, one with pianist
Joe Albany
and four trio numbers with
Albany
and the great altoist
Herb Geller
(who is heard in top form). The reasonably well-recorded performances include blues, bop and several obscurities (such as
"Whims Of Chambers,"
"While A Cigarette Was Burning" and "I Don't Wanna Be Kissed").
Pena
, who died in a car accident in 1969 while in his early forties, was a fine supportive bassist and a good soloist, making this rare material a strong tribute to his talents. ~ Scott Yanow