Originally released on the obscure Rave label and later reissued by V.S.O.P. on this LP, this enjoyable set from vibraphonist
Red Norvo
features his 1957 quintet:
Bob Drasnin
on flute and alto, guitarist
Jim Wyble
, bassist
Buddy Clark
and drummer
Bill Douglass
. The music is essentially cool-toned bop that swings hard but lightly; an excellent setting for
Norvo
's vibes. In addition to two of Red's originals (
"Spiders' Web"
and "Scorpion's Nest"), the band performs six superior (if somewhat overplayed) standards. The results make one wonder why
Jimmy Wyble
and
never became much better known. ~ Scott Yanow