This CD reissue has the complete contents of two former LPs, both recorded at the same session. With very stimulating playing by pianist
Jaki Byard, bassist
Reggie Workman and drummer
Alan Dawson, tenors
Booker Ervin and
Dexter Gordon battle it out on marathon (19 and 22 1/2 minute) versions of "Setting the Pace" and "Dexter's Deck." Although
Gordon is in good form,
Ervin (who sometimes takes the music outside) wins honors. The other two selections ("The Trance" and "Speak Low") are by the same group without
Dexter, and these long (19 1/2- and 15-minute) showcases also find
Booker in top form, sounding quite distinctive and completely original playing inside/outside music. An exciting set. ~ Scott Yanow