Jazz Will-O'-The Wisp

by Scott Yanow One of three albums that pianist Al Haig led in 1954 before slipping away into obscurity for the next 20 years, this long out-of-print set was reissued on CD by the Spanish Fresh Sound label. The bop pioneer is heard swinging 13 jazz standards, accompanied by bassist Bill Crow and drummer Lee Abrams. Few surprises occur in this straightforward and concise set other than the inclusion of the Dixieland standard "Royal Garden Blues," but it does give listeners a good example of Al Haig's abilities.