by Scott Yanow
Baritonist Serge Chaloff's final recording as a leader is his best. Blue Serge is a quartet outing with pianist Sonny Clark, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Chaloff had already contracted the spinal paralysis that would kill him a year later but there is no hint of any weakness on this date. Whether it be &The Goof and I,& &I've Got the World on a String& or a beautiful rendition of &Stairway to the Stars,& this recording features Serge Chaloff at his best.