Catalonian Nights, Vol. 1

In 1980, bassist John Heard and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath traveled to Barcelona, Spain to perform and record with the masterful Spanish jazz pianist Tete Montoliu. This live set has fairly long versions of Milt Jackson's basic "D&E," "Ladybird," "Autumn In New York" and "Blue Bossa." Although not an innovator, Montoliu (like Oscar Peterson, whose phenomenal technique he approached) was a master of the modern mainstream and of chordal improvisation. He digs into these songs and comes up with consistently fresh and swinging ideas. ~ Scott Yanow