With the exception of three songs cut as V-Discs in 1947, this set contains flugelhornist
Clark Terry
's first recordings as a leader. Joined by trombonist
Jimmy Cleveland
, baritonist
Cecil Payne
, pianist
Horace Silver
,
Oscar Pettiford
on cello, bassist
Wendell Marshall
, and drummer
Art Blakey
Terry
performs eight obscure songs that are arranged quite expertly by
Quincy Jones
.
sounds much more influenced by
Dizzy Gillespie
than he would in just a couple of years, but his good-humored musical personality and control of his horn were already obvious. With
Pettiford
offering occasional cello solos (in addition to playing second bass) and
Cleveland
in top form, this is an LP long overdue to be reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow