by Scott Yanow
Bebop is the thing on this excellent outing as altoist Charles McPherson and pianist Barry Harris do their interpretations of Charlie Parker and Bud Powell. With trumpeter Carmell Jones, bassist Nelson Boyd and drummer Al &Tootie& Heath completing the quintet, the band romps through such bop classics as &Hot House,& &Nostalgia,& &Wail& and &Si Si& along with an original blues and &Embraceable You.& A previously unissued &If I Love You& is added to the CD reissue. McPherson and Jones make for a potent frontline on these spirited performances, easily recommended to fans of straightahead jazz.