was probably the most recorded bassist in the history of music as a whole, but relatively few recordings were released under his own name. This LP was his first as a leader (if you don't count an earlier duo LP with ) and it consists of private recordings that made with tenor saxophone great prior to 's departure for Europe in 1964; the remaining tracks come from a -produced studio session featuring , , and . Although the sessions by and are informal in nature, they are very rewarding. Their duo performance of takes on a new degree of subtlety compared to 's better-known recordings of this masterpiece by . Their take of picks up the pace quite a bit, featuring some masterful playing by both men. Stories about 's affinity for playing stride piano after hours are widespread, but the two tracks on this LP that feature the saxophonist on a rather weathered instrument are among the few examples to actually have been commercially released, even if the recording itself (and especially the instrument) are not as high quality as one might hope. The -produced sessions begin with a turbulent but swinging featuring both on tenor saxes, with the young firebrand on trumpet. switches to baritone sax for 's a slow savory . ' mute work and open horn are highlights of the unusual arrangement of along with the leader's incredible basslines and 's superb piano. This LP which disappeared from print with the death of , the founder and owner of , was reissued on CD by in 2001. ~ Ken Dryden