John Bunch Quintet - John's Bunch (2014)

A rare set made in 1975 for Harry Lim's Famous Door label, John's Bunch finds veteran swing pianist John Bunch making his debut as a leader. He jams four standards and his own "John's Bunch" and "Cecily" in a quintet with tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, trombonist Urbie Green, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Mousie Alexander. It is a rare pleasure getting to hear Urbie Green (normally a studio or mood music musician) in this small-group setting, and his beautiful tone blends in well with the cool tone of Cohn. Recommended. [The CD reissue adds alternate takes to four of the six selections (with two new versions of "Cecily"), so it practically doubles the amount of music.] ~ Scott Yanow