For this CD reissue, pianist
Billy Taylor is features on eight songs with his trio of 1954 (which included bassist
Earl May and drummer
Percy Brice); the four originals (which alternate with standards) were all dedicated to disc jockeys of the time. The trio was pretty tight with
Taylor in the lead and, although boppish, it also looked back toward the swing era. The remaining four numbers match
Taylor and
May with what was dubbed "Machito's Rhythm Section":
Charlie Smith on conga,
Joe Mangual on bongos,
Uba Nieto playing timbales and
Machito himself on maracas. The four mambos are ideal both for listening and for dance music. An enjoyable set.