The
Lambert,
Hendricks, & Ross tradition lives on – in a smoking live set that features Indian singer Yolanda
Bavan joining the group in place of recently-departed Ross!
Bavan's ability to groove and improvise is every bit as great as that of Annie Ross – and she fits in nicely next to the warm lyrics of John
Hendricks, and the sweetly crackling bop vocals of Dave
Lambert. Plus, the live setting seems to open the whole group up even more – as they're working with a great combo that features Coleman Hawkins and Clark Terry sitting in with the Gildo Mahones trio that includes George Tucker on bass and Jimmie Smith on drums. The tunes are all very soulful and swinging – and the album easily sits with the best Columbia work by the older version of the group! Titles include "Watermelon Man", "Sack o Woe", "Deedle-Lee Deedle-Lum", and "Walkin", taken in a nice long stretch1
(Mono Dynagroove pressing with deep groove. Cover has light wear, and is bent and chewed a bit at the corners of the spine.)