SPIKE ROBINSON | AL COHN QUINTET - Henry B. Meets Alvin G. 'Once in a Wild' (1987-2000) APE (image+.cue), lossless

After working as an engineer for 34 years, Spike Robinson finally became a full-time musician late in 1985. This outing with fellow tenor Al Cohn and a rhythm section comprised of pianist Richard Wyands, bassist Steve La Spina and drummer Akira Tana finds Robinson holding his own with his better-known sidemen. The two tenors had similar but complementary styles (Cohn's tone at this point in time was deeper and darker than Spike's), and their interplay and occasional tradeoffs are delightful. In addition to some standards, they perform Miles Davis' "Sippin' at Bells," Bob Brookmeyer's "Rustic Hop" and Johnny Mandel's "Low Life" on this easily recommended LP. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Sippin' at Bells 6'16
Charlie Parker   
2     Ballad Medley: East Living/These Foolish Things 10'26
Eric Maschwitz / Ralph Rainger / Spike Robinson / Jack Strachey   
3     Sweet's Blues 7'22
Harry "Sweets" Edison   
4     Rustic Hop 5'35
Bob Brookmeyer   
5     Once in a While 7'19
Michael Edwards / Bud Green   
6     Low Life 5'52
Johnny Mandel   
7     Bye Bye Blues 5'52
David Bennett / Chauncey Gray / Frederick Hamm / Bert Lown
8     Just an Old Manuscript 10'20
Andy Razaf / Don Redman / Dick Redmond   
9     This Can't Be Love 7'55
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
Credits :
Bass – Steve LaSpina
Drums – Akira Tana
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Richard Wyands
Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, Spike Robinson