by Scott Yanow
This CD reissue brings back a typically swinging date by tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb. The colorful trombonist Buster Cooper (who was not featured in enough small group sessions through the years) seems to inspire Cobb; the rhythm section (organist Austin Mitchell, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Osie Johnson) proves a strong asset for this music. Four standards (three from the swing era plus Cobb's &Smooth Sailing&) alternate with a blues and a couple of up-tempo riff numbers. Arnett Cobb's solos are typically emotional and generally exciting during the fine set.