AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Although pianist Reuben Brown (who doubles
on electric piano) is the leader of this set (originally recorded
for Adelphi and reissued on CD by Genes), its main significance
is that this was the second recording by altoist Richie Cole.
Cole, who is also joined by bassist Marshall Hawkins and drummer
Bernard Sweetney, dominates the music; the last two numbers ("Tokyo
Rose Sings the Blues" and "Lucy & Desi") would
later be remade by his Alto Madness group. Even this early in
his career, Cole was a hyper bebopper and his playing (particularly
on such numbers as "Starburst" and "Confirmation")
is quite recognizable and typically humorous. -- Scott Yanow
