Trumpeter
Johnny Coles, best-known for his association with
Charles Mingus in 1964, made his recording debut as a leader on this Epic session which was reissued on CD in 1995 by Koch. A bop-based trumpeter with a lyrical sound of his own,
Coles is showcased here with an excellent quartet (
Kenny Drew or
Randy Weston on piano, bassist
Peck Morrison and drummer
Charlie Persip). He is in top form on a pair of standards (including "If I Should Lose You"), his own blues "Room 3" and four
Weston originals; the reissue adds an alternate take of "Hi-Fly" to the original program. A fine outing.