This unusual set has five selections from a date featuring the great tenor
Coleman Hawkins, pianist
Hank Jones, bassist
George Duvivier, and drummer
Shelly Manne. Both "Take the 'A' Train" and "Cherokee" find the group at times playing two tempos at once (
Manne sticks to double-time throughout "Cherokee"), and showing that they'd heard some of the avant-garde players. The most swinging piece, "Avalon," was previously available only on a sampler, while "Me and Some Drums" features
Hawkins and
Manne in a very effective duet; the veteran tenor makes his only recorded appearance on piano during the first half. This date is rounded off by a pair of trio features for
Eddie Costa (with
Duvivier and
Manne); one song apiece on vibes and drums. A very interesting set with more than its share of surprises. ~ Scott Yanow