Mose Allison recorded six albums as a leader for Prestige between 1957 and 1959, an era when he was better known as a jazz pianist than a folk/country blues vocalist and masterful lyricist. On his final Prestige date,
Allison (in a trio with bassist
Addison Farmer and drummer
Ronnie Free) performs seven instrumentals (including "It's Crazy," "Autumn Song," and "Groovin' High") but it's the three vocals ("Eyesight to the Blind," "That's All Right," and
Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' 'til You Hear from Me") that are most memorable. One realizes why
Allison was soon emphasizing his vocals; he was a much more distinctive singer than pianist, although his piano playing was actually pretty inventive. This is an excellent all-around set. ~ Scott Yanow