Bebop sessions were comparatively rare in 1967, but pianist Barry Harris and his sextet on this CD reissue perform with the sincerity and enthusiasm that was more closely associated with this music in 1957. The trumpetless group (which also consists of baritonist Pepper Adams, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, trombonist Slide Hampton, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Lenny McBrowne) performs four of Harris' joyful originals (most of which are based on common chord changes), the ballad "My Ideal" and two Bud Powell tunes, "Dance of the Infidels" and "Webb City." Everyone is in fine form, particularly Harris and Adams, and the pianist's arrangements perfectly fit (and uplift) the music. Highly recommended to bebop collectors. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Luminescence (Barry Harris)
2. Like This (Barry Harris)
3. Nicaragua (Barry Harris)
4. Dance of the Infidels (Bud Powell)
5. Webb City (Bud Powell)
6. My Ideal (Newell Chase/Leo Robin/Richard A. Whiting)
7. Even Steven (Barry Harris)
BARRY HARRIS piano
BOB CRANSHAW bass
LENNY McBROWNE drums
PEPPER ADAMS baritone saxophone
SLIDE HAMPTON trombone
JUNIOR COOK tenor saxophone
Recorded in New York City; April 20, 1967
Prestige - P-7498 /. Original Jazz Classics - OJCCD-924-2