We're not normally great fans of the
Ray Brown Trio, but this album's a corker – thanks to some great tenor work by
Ralph Moore!
Moore's a the height of his powers here – blowing
with an easy soulfulness that recalls the classic late 50s work of Hank Mobley. His presence on the set really opens things up – and althoguh
Brown's
trio is more than fine, and Gene Harris' piano is always a treat, it's really
Moore's tenor work that makes this album a gem. Titles are mostly standards, but done
with imagination – and titles include "The Champ", "Polka Dots & Moonbeams", "Like Someone In Love", "Quasimoto", "
Ralph's Boogie", and "SOS".