It was rare for Hinton, one of the most recorded musicians in history, to be the center of attention in the studio at this point in his career. Al Cohn arranged the four tracks featuring Hinton. The long forgotten pop tune "Moon Over Miami" is a perfect vehicle to introduce the great bassist. Hinton briefly shows off his arco bass on leisurely takes of "I Hear a Rhapsody" and the classic Duke Ellington ballad "Prelude to a Kiss," then wraps his session with Cohn's easygoing "Fump" (one of Hinton's early nicknames), which also has a softly swinging solo by guitarist Barry Galbraith.

Wendell Marshall, a veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and a first cousin of Ellington's great bassist Jimmy Blanton, was rarely the focus of a recording session. Trombonist Billy Byers arranged the four features for Marshall, including the then-popular tune "The Continental," and the swinging but now obscure "Careless," which features a prominent role for Hal McKusick's soprano sax, as well. Marshall composed the tricky blues "How Blue Was My Bass" and is also heard on the enjoyable "Tenderly."

Bull Ruther had previously worked with Dave Brubeck and Erroll Garner; the four selections that feature him are arranged by Manny Albam, whose charts are quite innovative. "Crazy She Calls Me" and "I Poured My Heart Into a Song" have long since fallen from the regular jazz repertoire, though a delightful "Begin the Beguine" remains fresh. Albam wrote "Bull in a China Shop," complete with a stereotypical Oriental theme, in honor of Ruther.

This rare LP, primarily of interest to bass fans, is worth acquiring by all. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi