An excellent set that combines the work of two lost horn players from the 50s! The first 8 tracks feature titles from an earlier 10" recording by Eddie Shu – an icy genius
on the alto and tenor, working here in quartet format with Bobby Scott, Vinnie Burke, and Roy Haynes. Shu's got an angular tone that's a bit like that of Lee Konitz, but which is slightly less acrobatic, and perhaps a bit warmer – and he's a hell of a player, as you'll hear
on the tracks "Tom Dick & Jim", "It's Sand Man", "Justice", "
On East Side", and "Peace". Side two features one of the only albums ever cut by tenorist Bob Hardaway – a young west coast player who really cooks
on this obscure record for Bethlehem! Hardaway's tenor has a bit more bite than some other Bethlehem horns of the time – and the vibe is almost east coast at time – with a stronger attack
on the solos, and a sense of soul that comes through even more strongly
on the ballads. The lineup is great, too – with Marty Paich
on piano, bringing a nice punch to the tunes – plus vibes from Larry Bunker
on side one, ringing out with a really wonderful tone. Bunker shifts to drums
on side two – and the record features bass from either Max Bennett or Joe Mon
dragon, and additional drums from Art Madigan. Titles include "Jr", "Lou's Blue", "Indiana", "I Cover The Waterfront", and "Out Of Nowhere".