This
Blue Mitchell date is a classic, particularly the opening "Fungii Mama," which is really catchy. The trumpeter's quintet of the period (which includes tenor saxophonist
Junior Cook, the young pianist
Chick Corea, bassist Gene Taylor, and drummer
Al Foster) also performs two
Jimmy Heath tunes and a song apiece by
Joe Henderson ("Step Lightly") and
Corea. The record is prime Blue Note hard bop, containing inventive tunes, meaningful solos, and an enthusiastic but tight feel. Highly recommended. [
Thing to Do was re-released on LP in 2016.] ~ Scott Yanow