This 1955 date finds the venerable jazz bassist in the choice company of clarinetist
Tony Scott (listed as
A.J. Sciacca), pianist
Dick Katz, and drummer Ossie Johnson. Having already established himself as a veteran sideman after getting his start in the late '20s,
Hinton marked the mid-'50s with some solo dates for Bethlehem label. This collection features several remastered tracks from this association, including the
Hinton originals "Pik 'N' Pat" and "Upstairs with Milton." And while
Scott and
Katz avail themselves nicely on a smattering of solos,
Hinton is the focus, displaying his deft bass work on every track with some extended soloing -- he even indulges in a bit of bowing on his own "Ebony Silhouette." Topped off with some fetching numbers by
Katz and
Scott, and handful of tasty covers, this
Hinton disc makes for a perfect showcase of the master bassist's considerable talents. ~ Stephen Cook