After working as an engineer for 34 years,
Spike Robinson finally became a full-time musician late in 1985. This outing with fellow tenor
Al Cohn and a rhythm section comprised of pianist
Richard Wyands, bassist
Steve La Spina and drummer
Akira Tana finds
Robinson holding his own with his better-known sidemen. The two tenors had similar but complementary styles (
Cohn's tone at this point in time was deeper and darker than
Spike's), and their interplay and occasional tradeoffs are delightful. In addition to some standards, they perform
Miles Davis' "Sippin' at Bells,"
Bob Brookmeyer's "Rustic Hop" and
Johnny Mandel's "Low Life" on this easily recommended LP. ~ Scott Yanow