One of the first tuba players to lead his own recording session in a bebop setting, Ray Draper was only 16 when he recorded the music on this CD reissue, his debut. Teamed in a sextet with trumpeter Webster Young (also making his recording debut), altoist Jackie McLean, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Spanky DeBrest, and drummer Ben Dixon, Draper fits in pretty well. His solos are sometimes a touch awkward rhythmically and it takes one a little while to get used to his sound in this setting but, overall, this is a successful effort. The fairly modern sextet performs straight-ahead originals by Draper, Young, and Waldron in addition to the standard "You're My Thrill." - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Terry Anne (W. Young)
2. You're My Thrill (Gorney/Clare)
3. Pivot (Waldron)
4. Jackie's Dolly (Draper)
5. Mimi's Interlude (Draper)
6. House Of Davis (W. Young)
JACKIE McLEAN alto saxophone
SPANKY DeBREAST bass
MAL WALDRON piano
WEBSTER YOUNG trumpet
RAY DRAPER tuba
Recorded March 15, 1957 at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey
Prestige - PRLP 7096