Louis Smith had a brilliant debut on this Blue Note album, his first of two before becoming a full-time teacher. The opener (
Duke Pearson's "Tribute to Brownie") was a perfect piece for
Smith to interpret, since his style was heavily influenced by
Clifford Brown (who had died the previous year). He is also in excellent form on four of his basic originals and takes a particularly memorable solo on a haunting rendition of "Stardust." Altoist
Cannonball Adderley (who used the pseudonym of "Buckshot La Funke" on this set, a name later used by
Branford Marsalis),
Duke Jordan or
Tommy Flanagan on piano, bassist
Doug Watkins, and drummer
Art Taylor make for a potent supporting cast, but the focus is mostly on the criminally obscure
Louis Smith. After cutting his second Blue Note set and switching to teaching,
Smith would not record again as a leader until 1978. All bop and '50s jazz fans are strongly advised to pick up this CD reissue before it disappears.