All-star sessions don't guarantee great results. Here the group chemistry produced magic, aided by inspired tune selection, particularly the three Shaw originals. Jones nails the snare opening of "Zoltin,". Young and Jones alone do a nifty "Monk's Dream," and the Henderson original "If" blows a hole in 12 bars. Young's playing is juicy and full but not overwhelming, giving everyone the necessary space to solo effectively, and charge full speed when appropriate. Rudy Van Gelder doesn't fail in one of his best recordings, 

 

By the time he recorded what is universally regarded as his finest album in 1964, Larry Young had developed his own innovative style on Hammond B-3 organ and had proved that the instrument could be used for so much more than soul jazz. He was light years ahead of his contemporaries, and fully established himself as the most forward thinking B-3 organ player of the Coltrane era.

 

Musicians: 

 

Woody Shaw, trumpet

Joe Henderson, tenor sax

Larry Young, organ

Elvin Jones, drums

 

Selections: 

 

1. Zoltan

2. Monk's Dream

3. If

4. The Moontrane

5. Softly As A Morning Sunrise

6. Beyond All Limits