In the mid-'50s, guitarist
Tal Farlow led one of his finest groups, a drumless trio with pianist
Eddie Costa and bassist
Vinnie Burke. The same band would record the album
Tal a week or two later. With
Burke contributing a constant walking bass, the interplay between
Farlow and
Costa is always exciting, whether they are playing unisons or trading off. This 1999 CD reissue not only has the original seven selections but "Gone With the Wind" (which was left off of the original LP due to lack of space) plus three full-length alternate takes that are basically on the same level as the masters. Among the highpoints are "Taking a Chance on Love," "Yardbird Suite," "Like Someone in Love," and
Farlow's lone original, "Meteor," which utilizes the chord changes of "Confirmation." Hot bebop that is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow