Like many trumpeters who came of age in the 1950s and 1960s,
Don Goldie may have been born a bit too late to be truly appreciated. This 1961 studio session for Argo is one of his very best dates as a leader, showcasing his flawless technique and mellow tone, best compared to that of cornetist
Ruby Braff. After showcasing his open horn in beautiful interpretations of the standards "Soon" and "I'll Be Around," he adds a harmon mute for his sassy original "Hand Me Down My Walkin' Blues." His laid-back muted introduction to "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" (accompanied solely by pianist
Eddie Higgins) takes on a more modern flavor as the full band joins them, with
Higgins playfully throwing in an unusual quote from "Manteca." It's back to open horn for a spirited take of
Raymond Scott's novelty piece "Toy Trumpet," though it takes on a bit of a boppish flavor. Bassist
Richard Evans, guitarist
Fred Rundquist, and drummer
Jimmy Cobb round out his capable rhythm section.