Pianist/composer
Duke Pearson leads an all-star group on this run-through of seven of his compositions. The musicians -- trumpeter
Freddie Hubbard, altoist
James Spaulding,
Joe Henderson on tenor, bassist
Ron Carter, drummer
Mickey Roker, and the pianist/leader -- are actually more impressive than many of the compositions, although the swinging minor-toned "Big Bertha" deserved to become a standard. The frameworks are quite intelligent, everyone doesn't solo on each selection, and the improvisations are concise and clearly related to each tune's melody and mood. Although not quite essential, this set has some rewarding music. ~ Scott Yanow