It is a pity that this 1998 CD reissue (which includes the original liner notes) says nothing about what ever happened to
Earl Anderza. The date (which has its original eight selections augmented by "I'll Be Around" and two previously unheard alternate takes) was the altoist's only one as a leader, and he has been little heard from since. Anderza's style, while influenced to an extent by
Charlie Parker and
Jackie McLean, was also touched a little by
Eric Dolphy. Standards mix with originals; the oddest aspect of the set is that pianist
Jack Wilson switches to harpsichord (not a good move!) on a couple of the numbers. The support by either
George Morrow or
Jimmy Bond on bass, plus drummer
Donald Dean, is subtle and swinging.
Earl Anderza clearly deserved better than the total obscurity he found. ~ Scott Yanow