For guitarist
Tal Farlow's second album as a leader (following a very obscure effort for Blue Note), he is joined by rhythm guitarist
Barry Galbraith, bassist
Oscar Pettiford, and drummer
Joe Morello on eight numbers, and pianist
Claude Williamson and bassist
Red Mitchell for the remaining four.
Farlow is heard in his early prime, at 32 years of age. At the time, he was a brilliant technician who could play extremely fast, yet clean and with a light touch. His solos on the 11 standards (which include
Pettiford's "Blues in the Closet," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and "You and the Night and the Music"), plus his own "Gibson Boy," are hard-swinging and creative, yet thoughtful. [Verve's 2005 Original Version reissue appeared in 2005.] ~ Scott Yanow