final recording (cut two years before his death) finds the 64-year-old sticking exclusively to flugelhorn and still displaying strong chops. Performing with his working quintet ( on tenor and alto, pianist , bassist and drummer ) returns to his roots, performing 11 bop-era standards with a twist. Producer helped reharmonize many of the songs, and even though the original melodies are stated, the results sound more modern than one would expect. (showing a great deal of potential that he has since realized) and have many fine solos, while sounds pretty strong, pushing himself. The CD concludes with talking for 9½ minutes about his experiences in the bebop days and about this project, a perfect conclusion to a successful and important career. ~ Scott Yanow