Originally on the Polydor label, this lesser-known classic (reissued on CD) teams together pianist/composer
Randy Weston and arranger
Melba Liston (his musical soulmate) on seven of
Weston's originals. The fairly large band is filled with distinctive soloists including trumpeter
Jon Faddis (19 at the time), trombonist
Al Grey,
Billy Harper on tenor, altoist
Norris Turney (heard on three versions of "Sweet Meat," two of which were previously unreleased) and several percussionists among others. The weak points are
Weston's use of the Fender Rhodes on a few songs (it waters down his personality) and
Candido's chanting during an otherwise exciting version of "Hi-Fly," but those are easily compensated for by the infectious calypso "Jamaican East" and
Liston's inventive reworking of "Little Niles." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow