Although this Blue Note session (reissued on CD in 1996) is led by trumpeter
Johnny Coles, pianist
Duke Pearson (who contributed the arrangements and five of the six compositions) really functioned as leader. The typically impressive Blue Note lineup (which includes
Leo Wright on alto and flute, tenor saxophonist
Joe Henderson, bassist
Bob Cranshaw, and either
Walter Perkins or
Pete LaRoca on drums, in addition to
Coles and
Pearson) handles the obscure material with creative invention. Most memorable are the catchy title cut and the somber ballad "So Sweet My Little Girl." Cole's brittle trumpet is the lead voice throughout, although the young
Joe Henderson was already instantly recognizable. ~ Scott Yanow