This 1965 session pairs
Jackie McLean with
Lee Morgan in the front line and features a rhythm section of pianist
Harold Mabern, bassist
Herbie Lewis, and drummer
Billy Higgins -- a powerhouse band. Originally recorded in 1965, it wasn't released on LP until 1979. The music here is much more straight-ahead other
McLean dates from the '60s. The presence of
Morgan puts
McLean in the position of having to be at his best, as on the stellar opening cut, "Bluesanova," which combines bossa, soul-jazz, and hard bop. Another tight moment on the set is
McLean's "Tolypso," a sideways take on calypso that reaches over into hard bop. The interplay between the saxophonist and trumpet player is air-tight and rousing. Other cuts of note are
Morgan's fine swinging ballad "Slumber" and the steaming title cut. This is a welcome addition to the
McLean catalog. ~ Thom Jurek