Don Bagley was better known as a sideman than a leader during the 1950s, touring with
Stan Kenton and recording with the likes of
Nat King Cole and
Dexter Gordon. This is the second of just three records the bassist made as a leader, with a lineup of rising young stars including
Phil Woods,
Eddie Costa,
Sal Salvador, and
Charlie Persip. All six tracks are originals by
Bagley, starting with the perky "Batter Up." The leader and the drummer set up the exotic groove to "Come Out Swingin'," which features a superb solo by
Woods. "Odd Man Out" spotlights
Bagley, with some delicate background accompaniment by
Costa on piano.
Costa switches to vibes for the driving bop vehicle "Bull Pen" and the playful "Hold in There." Originally recorded for Regent and reissued by Savoy on LP, this album finally reappeared in 1999 as a CD on the Spanish Blue Moon label.