Pianist
Hampton Hawes' first recording after serving five years in prison finds
Hawes evolving a bit from a
Bud Powell-influenced bop pianist to one familiar with more modern trends in jazz. Reissued on CD, this trio date finds
Hawes interacting closely with bassist
Monk Montgomery and drummer
Steve Ellington (making his recording debut).
Hawes had lost nothing of his swinging style while in prison, as can be heard on such numbers as "Vierd Blues," "St. Thomas" and "Secret Love," and he was just starting to hint at moving beyond bop. Recommended.