This LP features the
Dave Brubeck Quartet in its early days. Most of the music is from 1951-1952, and features such short-term sidemen as bassists
Norm Bates,
Fred Dutton (who doubled on bassoon) and Wyatt "Bull" Reuther, drummers
Herb Barman and
Lloyd Davis, and altoist
Paul Desmond. Highlights include "Crazy Chris," "Lyons Busy," "Look for the Silver Lining," and "Alice in Wonderland." Two later selections ("Stardust" and a 14-1/2-minute version of "At a Perfume Counter") are from 1954-1955 when the personnel stabilized with bassist
Bob Bates and drummer
Joe Dodge. ~ Scott Yanow