Howard McGhee Quintet - Just Be There

1976 recording

Other than an album in 1966 and a few isolated numbers in 1970, trumpeter Howard McGhee made no recordings as a leader during 1963-75. In 1976 he started his final three years of recording activity with a date for Sonet and then this obscure effort for Steeplechase. McGhee shows some age in his playing but his crisp sound was still intact as was his bop-oriented style. Recorded in Copenhagen with old friend Kenny Clarke on drums, baritonist Per Goldschmidt, pianist Horace Parlan and bassist Mads Vinding, this set features McGhee performing four of his straightahead originals plus J.J. Johnson's "Wee Dot." The spirit of classic bebop is very much alive on this enjoyable set.

Scott Yanow