Although drummer
Stan Levey is the leader, this album is most significant for the playing of tenor saxophonist
Dexter Gordon, who made relatively few recording dates in the 1950s due to drug problems.
Dexter is immediately recognizable and even contributed "Stanley the Steamer." Also in fine form on the boppish set are trumpeter
Conte Candoli, trombonist
Frank Rosolino, pianist
Lou Levy, and bassist
Leroy Vinnegar. The repertoire emphasizes jazz tunes from the previous ten years, including "Max Is Makin' Wax," "Diggin' for Diz," and
Miles Davis' "Tune Up."