Tenor-saxophonist
Harold Ashby has had relatively few opportunities to record as a leader, making this date for the Norwegian Gemini label a notable effort.
Ashby, who is heavily influenced by
Ben Webster, gets to stretch out while accompanied by the
Norman Simmons Trio (with
Simmons on piano, bassist
Paul West and drummer
Gerryck King). The repertoire includes four mostly basic
Ashby originals plus a quartet of swing standards; "I Got It Bad" and "Whispering" are highlights. A strong effort by the very underrated veteran tenor. ~ Scott Yanow