Buddy Collette/Abbey Lincoln/Les Thompson - Sessions: Live

All Music Guide

This LP compilation features excerpts from live television broadcasts of the late '50s, with no documentation of the supporting musicians or composers. Buddy Collette is present on the majority of the tracks, primarily on alto sax. The hot opener, "Tasty Dish," is likely an original by the leader. He switches to flute for two separate takes of his easygoing "Soft Touch." Collette plays tenor sax on "Moonlight in Vermont," though the spotlight is primarily on his guitarist in this track. Abbey Lincoln is heard with an unnamed piano trio singing a brief rendition of "Out of the Past," though the record jacket incorrectly indicates she is backed by the Buddy Collette Quintet. Even better is her powerful take of "When a Woman Loves a Man." Harmonica player Les Thompson is a somewhat obscure figure, active in the 1950s but not recording again until decades later. He is enjoyable in his two performances with standards, but hardly in the league of Toots Thielemans. Bassist Red Callender and d...rummer Earl Palmer have been identified as his likely sidemen. - Ken Dryden, All Music Guide Read more Less