by Scott Yanow
This 1999 CD reissues an early Herbie Mann set that matches him with his fellow flutist, Sam Most. Originally, this date was known as The Mann With the Most. Recorded back during Mann's bebop period, the set teams the two flutists with guitarist Joe Puma, bassist Jimmy Gannon and drummer Lee Kleinman. The quintet performs nine standards plus an original apiece from Most and Puma. Highlights include &Fascinating Rhythm,& &Let's Get Away from It All& and &Seven Come Eleven.& Most was actually the better known of the two flutists at the time but, while he ended up in the Los Angeles studios, Mann's constant musical curiosity would result in him gaining worldwide fame. Their enjoyable music, brought back by Avenue Jazz, finds the flutists battling it out to a draw.