Although
the Mitchell-Ruff Duo (consisting of pianist
Dwike Mitchell and
Willie Ruff on bass and French horn) had recorded frequently during the last half of the 1950s and throughout the '60s, they had not been documented as a duo in 14 years when they cut this LP for the obscure Kepler label. What is a bit unusual about the album is that the emphasis is on ballads (even "I Got Rhythm" is taken at a slow pace) and
Ruff plays French horn on more than half of the numbers. The lyrical and subtle performances are highlighted by "Ill Wind," "My Man's Gone Now," and "Stardust." Due to the obscurity of the label, it is doubtful that this album will be reissued on CD anytime soon, so grab it if you can.