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Howard McGhee was one of the most significant and underrated trumpeters of the bebop era, a transitional player who led the way from Roy Eldridge to Fats Navarro. In 1945 he came to the West Coast as a member of the Coleman Hawkins Quintet and decided to stay for a couple years, helping to introduce bebop to Los Angeles. Most of his recordings from the period are rare, so the release of the 22 selections on this CD is quite welcome. First there are four selections recorded for Philo in a sextet with tenors Teddy Edwards and James D. King. There are four sessions for Modern, including three with similar personnel (with bassist Charles Mingus on "Deep Meditation," four vocals by Pearl Taylor, and one by Estelle Edison). In addition, there is a big-band date and three of the selections from Charlie Parker's ill-fated "Lover Man" Dial date (two up-tempo McGhee features and a faltering "Be-Bop") that were originally released under McGhee's name. Overall, the music on this CD is quite boppish, sometimes a little ragged but always full of fire and energy. Highlights include "Stardust," "Mad Hype," the two-part "Around The Clock," "McGhee Special," and the haunting "Night Mist." Historic and often exciting music. Scott Yanow Tracklist + Credits :
