On first glance this LP combines together a pair of unlikely musical partners; the unique multi-instrumentalist
Rahsaan Roland Kirk and
Duke Ellington's former ballad singer
Al Hibbler. However
Rahsaan was very well acquainted with
Ellington's music and he plays respectfully behind
Hibbler on many of the standards, taking the wild "Carney and Bigard Place" as an instrumental.
Hibbler (who did not record much this late in his career) is in good voice and phrases as eccentrically as ever on such songs as "Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I Didn't Know About You." One leftover selection from
Rahsaan's session with singer
Leon Thomas ("Dream") rounds out this surprising set. ~ Scott Yanow