Ian Hendrickson-Smith
, a fine
hard bop
altoist, was 29 at the time that he recorded this CD, his debut as a leader. With fine support from pianist
David Hazeltine
(who has several excellent solos), bassist
Barak Mori
, and drummer
Joe Strasser
,
Hendrickson-Smith
swings on four originals and obscurities and five
jazz
standards
. His tone is a little reminiscent of
Jackie McLean
's (though not as abrasive) and he comes up with creative ideas in the
tradition, with the low-down
blues
"Up in Smoke!"
being a high point. In fact, the music is not that dissimilar from a typical mid-'60s
Blue Note
date, so fans of that ear will be interested in this driving live set. ~ Scott Yanow