One of JJ Johnson's best from the late 50s -- a tightly crackling hardbop set, recorded very much in the manner of his classic JJ Inc album!



The sound here is a bit more compact overall -- with some shorter tracks that really allow Johnson to display his keen sense of economy on his horn, while working in a burning mode that recalls some of his best bop sides from the early years -- particularly his work on Blue Note.



Bobby Jaspar's in the frontline with JJ -- playing both tenor and flute -- and rhythm is from a trio that features Tommy Flanagan on piano, Wilbur Little on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. Jones' touch on the kit gives the album a nicely dancing feel throughout -- and is a real reminder of his simple genius in an early setting like this.