by Scott Yanow
This excellent straight-ahead set (which has been reissued on CD along with a &bonus& cut, &Shaw Nuff&) finds pianist Monty Alexander, along with bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, lighting a fire under guitarist Barney Kessel and pushing him to some of his more heated playing. Kessel performs four of his better originals plus &'Round Midnight,& &Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life,& &Everything I Have Is Yours& and &Get Me to the Church on Time,& sounding inspired by the company he was keeping. Recommended.