Taken from , recorded in Italy in 1962, features at his finest, and is an excellent introduction to the musician's non-vocal work. As is the case with most albums, feels like a quickly put-together session recording. The material is all standard repertoire, played in a no-frills format, without specific arrangements or endings. It is the musicianship here that is the main attraction. has rarely sounded better; his technique is in top shape, and his solos are textbook examples of lyrical playing. , as was not always the case throughout his career, surrounds himself on with strong and supportive sidemen. Guitarist , underrecorded throughout his career, becomes one of the highlights of the session, and makes the album a must-have for guitar enthusiasts. Tune selection is surprisingly upbeat for a recording. ~ Dan Cross