Cunningbird

Trombonist Jimmy Knepper, who had not had the opportunity to lead his own record session in 19 years, is in top form during this quintet outing with tenor saxophonist Al Cohn (a compatible front-line partner), pianist Roland Hanna, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Dannie Richmond. Knepper contributed all six compositions, which include a couple of haunting ballads, a blues, and a few songs based on the chord changes of standards. However, it is for the excellent solo work of Knepper and Cohn that this hard bop release is most highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow