Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse and trumpeter Red Rodney were around for the infancy of bebop in the 1940s and four decades later (this recording is from 1984) have refined their artistry while retaining the vigilance so crucial to the genre's ensemble synergy. Social Call brims with split-second timing on baton-passed solos, and natty harmonizing on Don Sickler's tricky unison head arrangements. Throw in an ace, active, agile rhythm section and you've got synergistic bop that's both mature and frisky. Throw in an ace, active, agile rhythm section and you've got synergistic bop that's both mature and frisky.

Rouse's own “Little Chico” is Social Call's quintessential track; the tenorist snaps off hunks of angular phrases with his distinctively acrid tone (both trademarks of his decade-long stint with Thelonious Monk), while Rodney's trumpet ripples in assent. The rhythm section is especially piquant, with bassist Cecil McBee either playing electric or turned way up in the mix. Gigi Gryce's title track is as casually upbeat as its name implies, gently rolling and stress-free, with Rouse and Rodney calling to each other like birds in the woods. More superb baton-passing defines “Half Nelson,” complemented by the comping of pianist Albert… read more »