This posthumously released CD features recordings made by the great bassist
Milt Hinton with a number of his friends between 1989 and 1990, all of which are previously unissued. Trumpeter
Warren Vache and pianist Janice Friedman are on hand for the first three tracks, including a delightfully brisk "Raincheck," a moving "A Time for Love," and finally "Johnny Come Lately," which features
Vache in a sassy mood. "Fascinating Rhythm" is a masterful duet with drummer
Kenny Washington, showcasing
Hinton's still potent bass-slapping technique.
James Williams and
Frank Wess join the pair for the old hymn "Blessed Assurance," spotlighting
Hinton's smooth arco bass, complemented by
Wess' lyrical flute. Although the bassist frequently sang his tribute to his wife, "Mona's Feeling Lonely," this version is a touching instrumental. Guitarist
Howard Alden and singer Sylvia Sims (in one of her last recordings) accompany the leader on several songs, with the buoyant "Night and Day" standing out. Although
Hinton didn't compose "Old Man Time," this semiautobiographical piece (which was always a hit with jazz party audiences) adds the playful clarinet of
Kenny Davern, along with
Alden and drummer and Jackie Williams. The warm remembrance by liner note writer
Bill Crow salutes a universally loved musician whose considerable achievements during his very long career will be impossible to match, let alone surpass. ~ Ken Dryden