This is one of the best Blue Notes and one of my favorite jazz albums period. The first three tunes are composed by Henderson. They are absolutely brilliant. The searching title tune sets the mood with it’s wonderful dark theme and outstanding solo by Henderson. The rhythm section is top notch with McCoy Tyner’s virtuoso piano chops, Bob Cranshaw’s smooth double bass work and the quite elegant and superbly withdrawn playing by Elvin Jones, except maybe for the drum solo where he a bit more of his whirlwind self. Next up is the tune “Isotope” which offers some medium tempo goodness and some bluesy aspects to it. Great and inspired tenor playing by Henderson.
Flipping the side and “El Barrio” begins with it’s dark, oriental flavors. This is stuff that I love. It doesn’t get much better than this for me. Duke Pearson’s “You Know I Care” is a nice ballad and a great contrast to what the album has offered up to this point. A welcome, soothing piece. “Night and Day” by Cole Porter is a nice up tempo tune with some nice rhythmical fills by Elvin which closes this masterpiece. But the masterful highlights on this album are the first three tunes by Henderson for sure, with “El Barrio” shining the brightest.
Took a while to secure this original mono pressing. It seems very scarce in it’s original form, at least that’s what I’ve found. Over the moon to file this one.
I can’t recommend this album enough. Jazz at it’s finest. Cheers!