The trio led by pianist
Wynton Kelly, which also included bassist
Paul Chambers and drummer
Jimmy Cobb, first functioned as the rhythm section of
Miles Davis' Quintet in 1958. In 1963, they left
Davis' band and spent time as
Wes Montgomery's backup group; the unit stayed together until
Chambers' death on Jan. 4, 1969, a run of over ten years (
Kelly would pass away two years later). Their final studio session, released for the first time domestically by Delmark in 1988, is unfortunately partly hindered by the inclusion of some unsuitable pop songs (including "Say a Little Prayer for Me," "Watch What Happens," "Light My Fire" and "Yesterday"), but typically, the musicians do their best to swing the tunes. Best are "Kelly's Blues" and "Castilian Waltz." However, this historic set is not too essential overall.