During 1959-1960, the tough-toned but sentimental tenor saxophonist
Arnett Cobb recorded six albums for Prestige; his next recording as a leader would not be until 1971. On this particular CD reissue,
Cobb performs quintet selections with pianist
Tommy Flanagan, bassist
Sam Jones, drummer
Art Taylor, and
Danny Barrajanos on conga; on "Down by the Riverside" (from February 17) pianist
Bobby Timmons and
Buck Clarke on congas join
Jones,
Taylor, and
Cobb. The saxman's treatments of "Blue Me" and five veteran songs ("Lover Come Back to Me," "Blue Lou," "Swanee River," "Down by the Riverside," and "Sometimes I'm Happy") are melodic, soulful, and swinging. An excellent if brief (at 36 minutes) effort.