The 1950s had largely been a waste for
Howard McGhee, as drug addiction had taken its toll on his playing. But he is in good form for this 1961 studio session for Bethlehem, leading a septet with baritone saxophonist
Pepper Adams, trombonist
Bennie Green, and tenor saxophonist
Roland Alexander, with a top-notch rhythm section of
Tommy Flanagan,
Ron Carter, and
Walter Bolden an added bonus. His delicious muted horn is the centerpiece of the lightly swinging take of "The Sound of Music" and strolling rendition of the normally bittersweet "Cottage for Sale," while he's on open horn for a snappy take of
Cole Porter's "I Concentrate on You."
McGhee's explosive side comes out in bop favorites like "Groovin' High," yet he is just as powerful playing long notes in the lush ballad "With Malice Toward None."
McGhee's originals are all enjoyable, though none caught on with other jazz musicians.