Perhaps because trumpeter Clark Terry and trombonist Bob Brookmeyer spent the majority of their respective careers as sidemen, they retain a remarkable spirit of generosity and unity as leaders. For all the virtuosity on display across Gingerbread Men, what impresses most is the selfless coherence of the session as a whole. Pianist Hank Jones, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Dave Bailey further underline the joie de vivre that characterizes the album, playing with exuberance and creativity. For all the music's visceral punch, it still boasts an uncommon and most welcome elegance. [Long out of print, Gingerbread Men was finally reissued in 2005 via the two-disc Clark Terry & Bob Brookmeyer Quintet Complete Studio Recordings.] ~ Jason Ankeny