The first four CDs released by Studio West, a subsidiary of V.S.O.P., are all taken from concise (around three minutes apiece) performances that were made to be used as part of the radio show "The Navy Swings." This particular release features performances by one of drummer
Chico Hamilton's most stimulating groups, a quintet comprised of
Charles Lloyd (on tenor, flute and alto), guitarist
Gabor Szabo, trombonist
George Bohanon, bassist
Albert Stinson and the drummer/leader. Because the individual selections are briefer than usual, in many cases only one soloist is featured on each cut. But overall, there is plenty of solo space for
Lloyd (very much playing in a
Coltrane vein),
Bohanon and
Szabo. The mixture of seven standards with nine
Lloyd originals works quite well with plenty of variety in moods and tempoes. An excellent all-around showcase for this much underrated but very timeless unit. ~ Scott Yanow