One can judge this CD on two different levels. As far as originality goes, pianist
Benny Green at age 27 seemed content on his trio date with bassist
Christian McBride and drummer
Carl Allen to sound like a close relative of
Bobby Timmons,
Oscar Peterson, and
Gene Harris, with touches of
Bud Powell; his style at this point in time was quite derivative. But for upbeat, swinging, soulful music, the set fits the bill. Such songs as "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Soon," "Cute" and "Shiny Stockings" certainly were not in need of being recorded again, and even
Green's originals sound strangely familiar. But the trio's enthusiasm, virtuosity and tightness give the music more life than it probably deserves. ~ Scott Yanow