Tenor-saxophonist
Gene Ammons is well-featured on this LP, playing as a sideman with baritonist
Leo Parker's sextet on four numbers from 1947 and heading two sessions of his own from 1952-53. The latter performances (which also include trumpeter
Johnny Coles and pianist
John Houston in the octet) are highlighted by a remake of
Ammons's hit "Red Top," warm ballad versions of "Street of Dreams," "Travellin' Light" and "Stairway to the Stars" and an extended tenor battle with
Mack Easton on "Big Slam." ~ Scott Yanow