Here Comes Freddy

by Scott Yanow Trumpeter Howard McGhee had made very few recordings since 1961 when he cut Here Comes Freddy in 1976, a sextet set with co-leader tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet. McGhee would record several other albums during the next two years in what was his last burst of recording activity. The veteran bop trumpeter, one of the very best of 1945-1949, still had a distinctive tone this late and plays quite well. Jacquet is roaring as usual and the remainder of the band, all members of McGhee's group, includes altoist Bugs Dyer and pianist Jim Roberts. The sextet performs three McGhee originals, two songs by drummer Walter Bolden, and a trio of standards. The combination of McGhee and Jacquet works quite well and should have been repeated more often for they inspire each other. An excellent bop-based set.