Considering his talent, it is very surprising that tenor saxophonist
Richie Kamuca
led so few record dates throughout his career -- just three during 1956-58 and three for Concord in 1977. This quartet set (a MOD LP reissued by V.S.O.P. on CD) features the excellent cool-toned tenor in a quartet with pianist
Carl Perkins
, bassist
Leroy Vinnegar
and drummer
Stan Levey
. Only the brief playing time (just over 30 minutes) keeps this set from getting a higher rating, for
Kamuca
is in prime form. Highlights include
"Just Friends,"
"What's New" and "Cherokee." ~ Scott Yanow