Starting in 1977 and continuing until Jimmy Forrest's death in 1980, trombonist Al Grey and the thick-toned tenor would co-lead a popular quintet. Only three recordings resulted, of which this set (four of the seven selections would be reissued on a Stash CD along with additional material) is the best-known. Although the Stash CD is the better buy, this collector's LP (which also features organist Shirley Scott exclusively on piano, bassist John Duke and drummer Bobby Durham) has versions of "In a Mellotone," "C.B. and Me" and "Salty Papa" that have not yet reappeared and are generally as good as the other selections (two standards, an original and Charlie Parker's "The Jumpin' Blues"). Fine, basic straight-ahead jazz.
Live at Rick's
Al Grey
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Live at Rick's Review
by Scott Yanow
