Casbah

by Scott YanowThis excellent effort is slightly unusual in that baritonist Cecil Payne (who doubles a bit on flute) is joined by a pianoless and drumless rhythm section (pianist Richard Wyands, guitarist Joe Carter and bassist Stafford James). The intimate setting suits Payne well, who is in top form on such numbers as Tadd Dameron's "Casbah," a song dedicated to Harry Carney (simply called "Carney"), Benny Carter's "A Walkin' Thing" and Payne's "Bosco." Cecil Payne remains one of the most underrated baritonists of the bop era; this small-label LP is a fine example of his talents.