Through the years, pianist
Dick Katz through played an important role behind the scenes on many recording dates, including notable sets by
Helen Merrill and
Lee Konitz. He has led relatively few sessions of his own, making this quintet outing with
Frank Wess (mostly on flute but taking "A Few Bars for Basie" on tenor), trombonist
Jimmy Knepper, bassist
Marc Johnson and drummer Al Harewood a special occasion. Actually, the horns sit out on four of the eight selections, which are more spontaneous trio features, while the full band tracks sport
Katz's colorful arrangements. Highlights of the now out-of-print set include
Oscar Pettiford's "Laverne Walk," "Crazy She Calls Me,"
John Coltrane's "Cousin Mary," and
Thelonious Monk's "Friday the 13th." ~ Scott Yanow