Unlike most of
Oliver Nelson's recordings, this one has the feel of a jam session. A Prestige set,
Nelson (on tenor and alto) teams up with trumpeter
Joe Newman (in exciting form), pianist
Hank Jones, bassist
George Duvivier, drummer
Charlie Persip, and
Ray Barretto on congas. There are two superior standards ("Mainstem" and "Tangerine") and four of
Nelson's more basic originals. The spirited solos of
Nelson and
Newman are strong reasons to get this colorful session. ~ Scott Yanow