Zoot Sims and
Al Cohn always made great music together; this live recording documents portions of two nights' work together at the Half Note in New York City, assisted by pianist
Mose Allison, bassist
Nabil Totah and drummer
Paul Motian. Their brisk setting of "Lover, Come Back to Me" features
Cohn,
Sims and
Allison soloing in turn, building the fire before the eventual trading of fours between the tenor saxophonists. After a relaxed rendition of "It Had to Be You," alto saxophonist
Phil Woods is added to the mix for the next two numbers, recorded the very next evening. The guest sets up the percolating mid-tempo setting of "Wee Dot," with the tenors following him. The delightful interplay within the long workout of "After You've Gone" signals the chemistry between the three friends. Bop and cool fans will want to make any effort to hear this excellent release. ~ Ken Dryden