This is an unusual set in that the music was recorded twice, once in mono in 1957 and then again in stereo two years later. Adding to the confusion is the fact that both albums have the same title and are listed as King 571. As it turns out, both albums are worth getting, since there are differences in tempos and interpretations. The brilliant altoist
Earl Bostic (the most popular saxophonist of the 1950s) is joined by a five-piece rhythm section, including vibraphonist
Wallace Snow, guitarist
Tony Rizzi, and drummer
Earl Palmer, for such swing-era hits as "Southern Fried," "Jersey Bounce," "Air Mail Special," "Honeysuckle Rose," and the slightly later "Night Train."
Bostic's joyful sound and obvious control of his horn uplift these fairly basic performances.