Luminescence!

by Scott YanowBebop sessions were comparatively rare in 1967, but pianist Barry Harris and his sextet on this CD reissue perform with the sincerity and enthusiasm that was more closely associated with this music in 1957. The trumpetless group (which also consists of baritonist Pepper Adams, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, trombonist Slide Hampton, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Lenny McBrowne) performs four of Harris' joyful originals (most of which are based on common chord changes), the ballad "My Ideal" and two Bud Powell tunes, "Dance of the Infidels" and "Webb City." Everyone is in fine form, particularly Harris and Adams, and the pianist's arrangements perfectly fit (and uplift) the music. Highly recommended to bebop collectors.