This is one of pianist
John Lewis' most rewarding albums outside of his work with
the Modern Jazz Quartet. Three numbers (including a remake of "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West") showcase his piano in a quartet with guitarist
Jim Hall, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Connie Kay. A 15-and-a-half-minute rendition of "Body and Soul" has one of tenor saxophonist
Paul Gonsalves' finest solos, while "Afternoon in Paris" features a diverse cast with trumpeter
Herb Pomeroy,
Gunther Schuller on French horn, tenor man
Benny Golson, baritonist
Jimmy Giuffre, and guitarist
Jim Hall; altoist
Eric Dolphy cuts everyone. This set was reissued in 1988 as part of Atlantic's
Jazzlore series. ~ Scott Yanow