In 1960, flutist
Herbie Mann put together a very interesting band that was in its brief existence (before
Mann's interests shifted elsewhere) one of the top in Afro-Cuban jazz. Utilizing four trumpets (including
Doc Cheatham), up to three percussionists and a flute-vibes-bass-drums quartet,
Mann performs four standards (including "Dearly Beloved," "I'll Remember April" and "Autumn Leaves") and two originals in a style that was beyond bop and much more African- and Cuban-oriented. This LP (long deserving of being reissued on CD) is quite underrated and is one of the finest of
Mann's long career.