Pianist
Jaki Byard (who also plays a bit of tenor and alto) uses a trio/quartet on this Muse album consisting of bassist
Major Holley (switching to tuba on one tune), drummer J.R. Mitchell (on the 17½-minute five-part "Family Suite") and drummer-percussionist Warren Smith. In addition to a two-song medley of
Duke Ellington and
Billy Strayhorn,
Byard performs the episodic "Family Suite," this early theme "Just Rollin' Along," the eccentric "L.H. Gatewalk Rag" and the thoughtful "Ballad for Louise." A typically stimulating and eclectic program of music by
Jaki Byard. ~ Scott Yanow