The Happy Blues is one of the great studio jam sessions in history. Tenor saxophonist
Gene Ammons is teamed up with trumpeter
Art Farmer, altoist
Jackie McLean, pianist
Duke Jordan, bassist
Addison Farmer, drummer
Art Taylor, and the congas of
Candido for four lengthy selections. Best is the title track, which has memorable solos and spontaneous but perfectly fitting riffing by the horns behind each others' solos. The other numbers ("The Great Lie," "Can't We Be Friends," and "Madhouse") are also quite enjoyable, making this a highly recommended set.