For a time in 1977, drummer Louis Hayes co-led a quintet with the great trumpeter Woody Shaw. The band’s only studio album (last available as a Muse LP) also features René McLean (tripling on soprano, alto, and tenor), pianist Ronnie Mathews, bassist Stafford James, and (on three of the six tunes) guest trombonist Slide Hampton. On three little-known tunes and a trio of group originals, the modern hard bop unit plays concise but meaningful solos; a different combination of musicians gets the solo spotlight on each song. A well-conceived and continually interesting session. – Scott Yanow