This CD brings back a Bethlehem session, a rather unusual
Teddy Charles set in that it is very much a jam session. Oddly enough
Charles (despite being designated leader) is only on four of the nine numbers. With pianist
Dave McKenna, bassist
Bill Crow and drummer
Ed Shaughnessy forming a swinging rhythm section,
Charles is showcased on three numbers (
"Yale Blue," "Whiffenpoof song" and "Nigerian Walk"), flutist
Sam Most jams "That Old Black Magic,"
Zoot Sims is featured on two standards,
Dave McKenna romps through "Struttin' with Some Barbeque," guitarist
Jimmy Raney drops by for "Yesterdays" and the whole group comes together on "Rifftide." Few surprises occur but the obscure straightahead music is enjoyable enough. ~ Scott Yanow
