Altoist
John Handy's debut as a leader (which was originally part of the two-LP set of the same name) was recorded when he was still a member of
Charles Mingus' group. Teamed with trumpeter Richard Williams, pianist
Roland Hanna, bassist
George Tucker and drummer
Roy Haynes,
Handy (who doubles on tenor) shows the influence of
John Coltrane in spots and also the fury and heat of playing with
Mingus. He performs six originals (the best-known is "Dance to the Lady"), "I'll Close My Eyes," and a lyrical rendition of "I'll Never Smile Again." Excellent advanced hard bop music.