Red Garland returned to the recording studio in 1971, after a layoff of nearly nine years, to record this trio set for MPS. Accompanied by bassist
Sam Jones and drummer
Roy Brooks,
Garland is in great form, beginning with
Joe Henderson's catchy "Hobo Joe."
Garland's sentimental ballad, "Auf Wiedersehen," would make a perfect vehicle for vocalists, if it only had lyrics. The trio's treatment of "A Night in Tunisia" is buoyant, with
Brooks altering the pitch of his drums by inflating them with additional air (by blowing through rubber tubes) during his brilliant solo.
Garland's "Old Stinky Butt" is a quintessential late-night blues, understated and slow. The leader opens "Stella by Starlight" alone before giving way to his session mates and opening things up. The finale is a brisk rendition of "Daahoud," with all the bells and whistles that one associates with
Clifford Brown's hard bop masterpiece. ~ Ken Dryden