Originally released as two LPs and then a two-LP set, tenorman
Wardell Gray's Prestige recordings are now available as two CDs that have been expanded by the inclusion of alternate takes only previously available on the collector's Misterioso label. The music on this particular CD is taken from two sessions: a quartet outing with pianist
Al Haig, bassist
Tommy Potter, and drummer
Roy Haynes, and a sextet session with pianist
Sonny Clark, vibraphonist
Teddy Charles, and the young altoist
Frank Morgan. The former date is highlighted by the famous "Twisted," which
Annie Ross would soon record in a vocalese version. This CD actually has four versions of "Twisted" (along with seven of "Southside"), so there is a bit of repetition, but the great tenor
Wardell Gray is heard throughout in prime form. ~ Scott Yanow