The sextet features Vince Guaraldi on the piano and Eddie Duran on guitar, both of whom had played with Tjader. Bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Billy Higgins came along with Getz. Duran had played with Getz, but the notes indicate that none of the others had played together before. Still, whether working on old standards or new pieces composed for the set, they played seamlessly.
The set opens with a Guaraldi composition, "Ginza Samba." It runs over 10 minutes and while it begins with the Latin beat that was to become associated with bossa nova, it goes back to the more conventional 4/4 rhythm for long solos through the middle to the end.
The set ends with a lyrical take on the old standby "My Buddy." Tjader's mellow opening solo is followed by a swinging passage from Getz, before they come together for some dynamic interaction at the song's ending.
Tjader does some sweet work on Lerner and Loewe's "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," and there's a real sparkle to the ending. "For All We Know" gets a restrained treatment from Tjader's vibes, which gets picked up by Getz in his solo.
Three pieces by Tjader round out the album: "Big Bear," an uptempo swinger, "Liz-Anne," a waltz written for his daughter, and "Crow's Nest," which gives them an opportunity for a funkier vibe. Getz does some nice solo work on the waltz, and both he and Tjader riff together with abandon on "Crow's Nest." Guaraldi and Duran get their licks as well. There's even a funky bass solo.
All in all, this is one fine album, well worth resurrecting.
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