Ian Hendrickson-Smith, a fine hard bop altoist, was 29 at the time that he recorded this CD, his debut as a leader. With fine support from pianist
David Hazeltine (who has several excellent solos), bassist Barak Mori, and drummer Joe Strasser,
Hendrickson-Smith swings on four originals and obscurities and five jazz standards. His tone is a little reminiscent of
Jackie McLean's (though not as abrasive) and he comes up with creative ideas in the hard bop tradition, with the low-down blues "Up in Smoke!" being a high point. In fact, the music is not that dissimilar from a typical mid-'60s Blue Note date, so fans of that ear will be interested in this driving live set. ~ Scott Yanow