Beyond Brooklyn

by Scott YanowFlutist Herbie Mann's last record date brought him back to his roots, playing bop-oriented jazz. Actually, he co-led the session with an old friend, altoist Phil Woods, who he did not have many opportunities to play with after the 1950s. The results are delightful, with some bop standards, a few Latin tunes, and some basic originals comprising the program. The instrumentation changes from track to track, with two different rhythm sections being used and guest appearances from Gil Goldstein on accordion and trombonist Jay Ashby. Mann, who spontaneously recorded the closing "Time After Time" at a slightly later date when he was already seriously ill, sounds in prime form throughout this happy set. His final musical chapter is well worth savoring.