Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Grant Green was one of the top jazz guitarists to emerge during the early '60s. For the original LP program reissued on this 1996 CD, Green and a particularly strong rhythm section (with pianist Johnny Acea, bassist Wendell Marshall, drummer Willie Bobo, and percussionists Potato Valdez and Garvin Masseaux) play the very attractive melodies (including "Mambo Inn," "Besame Mucho," and "Tico Tico") with affection and swing. In fact, Green has rarely sounded happier. For this reissue a previously unissued straight-ahead piece from the same session ("Blues for Juanita") and two numbers from a slightly later date (featuring a similar group with tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec and pianist Sonny Clark) are also included. Overall, this is one of Grant Green's more delightful sets, an underrated gem.
