Bobo's Beat

pulled an impressive lineup for his debut as a leader, due in part to a profile gained from his work with and . Leading the brass section in this midsized group is trumpeter , who lends the necessary grit and fire, while 's burring tenor gives the record dynamic range. Though 's percussion kit is displayed on the front, it's occasionally difficult to appreciate his playing on the record; he sounds bored and in the background during a trio of Brazilian crossover numbers (this was the year of , after all), leaving organist to flare his way playfully through his own does finally allow himself some solo space at the end of after several minutes of brilliant interplay between brass and reeds. The highlight comes with the group's interpretation of 's a slow-burning number with 's timbales shuffle framing more excellent sectioning, with 's tenor and an unnamed trombone positioned in counterpoint to 's trumpet. With none of the fire solo features or crossover material often found on "Stereo Spectacular" LPs of the day, is a fan's delight: great work from all the principles, and a steady sense of inter-relational talents sounding off in close harmony with each other. ~ John Bush