When founded , his initial goal was to not only make his mark on the hard bop scene, but to always bring younger players into the fold, nurture them, and send them out as leaders in their own right. Pianist , trumpeter , and saxophonist were somewhat established, but skyrocketed into stardom after this band switched personnel. Perhaps the most acclaimed combo of 's next to the latter-period bands with and , the pre- quintet heard on this first volume of live club dates at in New York City provides solid evidence to the assertion that this ensemble was a one of a kind group the likes of which was not heard until the mid-'60s . Three of 's greatest contributions to jazz before he turned to original soul and funkier sounds are here. (introduced by the erudite ) is a definitive hard bop vehicle, as dig into their melody and solo lines with deep affection and joy for this music. is more of the same as the horns play in unison and pull the famous lyrical quote from is a happy reharmonized version of hard bop at its best, with on fire. Of course, 's forte is soul, as emphasized during the slow assimilating 's cooled tones nicely. A near ten-minute establishes the loose-tight concept patented as he dominates the bandstand in loudness. 's is as definitive a bop flagwaver as there is, with a short head and plenty of solo space. Where was always masterful in a ballad, showcases his beautifully executed legato sound, but not at the expense of his innate ability to both invent and extrapolate without losing touch of this special melancholy song. This recording, as well as subsequent editions of these performances, launches an initial breakthrough for and modern jazz in general, and defines the way jazz music could be heard for decades thereafter. Everybody must own copies of all volumes of . ~ Michael G. Nastos