Spectrum

by Scott YanowTwo of pianist Cedar Walton's lesser-known Prestige albums (Spectrum and "The Electric Boogaloo Song") are combined on this single-CD reissue. With strong assistance from trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan and one of two rhythm sections (either Richard Davis or Bob Cranshaw on bass and Jack DeJohnette or Mickey Roker on drums), Walton performs six of his originals ("Ugetsu" is best-known while "The Electric Boogaloo Song" was an attempt at a hit), two standards, Clifford Jordan's "Impressions of Scandinavia" and Calvin Massey's "Lady Charlotte." The music, essentially advanced hard bop with a few odd twists, is well-played if not essential.