This 1998 Koch CD reissues a
Duke Pearson LP from 1966, containing music from the previous year. Other than "Our Love" (a familiar classical theme adapted to American pop music by
Larry Clinton), all six selections are originals by the pianist. Utilizing a nonet that includes trumpeter
Johnny Coles (who does his best to be soulful on "Honeybuns"), trombonist
Garnett Brown, flutist
Les Spann, altoist
James Spaulding, tenor saxophonist
George Coleman, baritonist
Pepper Adams, bassist
Bob Cranshaw, and drummer
Mickey Roker,
Pearson performs music in a style that would have fit in quite well on Blue Note. Most memorable among his originals is "Is That So." This is not an essential date, but it is nice to have this rarity back in print again. ~ Scott Yanow