Top-notch
hard bop
is performed by pianist
Cedar Walton
's quartet, a group also including altoist
Vincent Herring
(who doubles on flute), bassist
David Williams
, and drummer
Kenny Washington
. An underrated composer,
Walton
performs five of his own pieces, plus four standards (including
"Body and Soul"
and
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
).
Herring
's
Cannonball Adderley
-inspired alto is well featured, and
fits right into
Billy Higgins
' old slot. Easily recommended for fans of modern straight-ahead
jazz
. ~ Scott Yanow