Pianist/composer Duke Pearson leads an all-star group on this run-through of seven of his compositions. The musicians are trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, altoist James Spaulding, Joe Henderson on tenor, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Mickey Roker and the pianist/leader. The swinging minor-toned "Big Bertha" deserved to become a standard. The frameworks are quite intelligent (and everyone doesn't solo on each selection), and the improvisations are concise and clearly related to each tune's melody and mood.

Track Listing
Sweet Honey Bee
Sudel
After the Rain
Gaslight
Big Bertha
Empathy
Ready Rudy?