Dick Oatts

The recording of studio jam sessions was frequent under producer Norman Granz during the '50s, but his dates were more in the spirit of competition vs. cooperation. Producer Nils Winther assembled three tenor saxophonists (Billy Drewes, Walt Weiskopf and Dick Oatts) and paired them with pianist Andy LaVerne, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Adam Nussbaum to see what would develop. The extended workout of the pianist's "Triplicate" (which is based upon Miles Davis' little known "The Serpent's Tooth") provides a chance for the three reedmen to stretch out a bit, with the composer adding a fine solo as well. A brief ballad medley features each saxophonist individually in turn with the rhythm section, but the interplay within the spirited rendition of "Have You Met Miss Jones" and the snappy treatment of the old warhorse "You and the Night and the Music" really bring the musicians together to make them sound like they are old hands at working together yet still able to take a few risks. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide