Flutist
Jerome Richardson (who switches to tenor on one of the five selections on this CD reissue) has long been underrated and has had relatively few opportunities to lead his own record dates -- only four up to the present time, of which
Midnight Oil was the first. The music (three of
Richardson's originals, Artie Shaw's "Lyric," and the standard "Caravan") is performed in swinging fashion by
Richardson, trombonist
Jimmy Cleveland (the unusual flute-trombone blend heard on three of the songs is quite pleasing), pianist
Hank Jones, guitarist
Kenny Burrell, bassist Joe Benjamin, and drummer
Charlie Persip. This set offers cool-toned bop that, although brief in playing time (just over 35 minutes), is enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow