For Bird and Bags

It is only right that tenor-saxophonist recorded for the label at least on one occasion, since that was the name of his first hit. Most unusual among the selections is (on which quotes many tunes) and "Salute to Bags" (during which the leader switches to piano). plays with a Chicago-based quintet featuring on vibes and piano; guitarist ; pianist ; and guitarist (the last two of which were on the artist's earlier records) make guest appearances. Throughout, (whose mastery of the extreme upper register and immediately recognizable sound are both quite impressive) is in excellent form; pity that this music was last available on a long out-of-print LP. ~ Scott Yanow