Starburst

Although pianist Reuben Brown (who doubles on electric piano) is the leader of this set (originally recorded for Adelphi and reissued on CD by Genes), its main significance is that this was the second recording by altoist Richie Cole. Cole, who is also joined by bassist Marshall Hawkins and drummer Bernard Sweetney, dominates the music; the last two numbers ("Tokyo Rose Sings the Blues" and "Lucy & Desi") would later be remade by his Alto Madness group. Even this early in his career, Cole was a hyper bebopper and his playing (particularly on such numbers as "Starburst" and "Confirmation") is quite recognizable and typically humorous.