This stereo set was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and originally released on Blue Note Records in June of 1957. The original Jazz Messengers, who Mobley had help found, had just disbanded and the heavyweight tenor-man was splitting time between Horace Silver's new group and as an exclusive Blue Note recording artist. Calling on some of the cream of NYC's finest, Mobley opted for a sextet setting and the results became a classic. Including another sax player in Curtis Porter on alto and second tenor was a unique thought and added to the front-line punch of Bill Hardman's trumpet.
The rhythm of Sonny Clark on piano, Paul Chambers at the bass and Art Taylor behind the drums is an all-star adhesive holding the group tightly together. Mobley's "dry and intimate" tone shines through in a subtle approach to the harmonies and cadence set in each selection. Mastered from the original first-generation monaural master tapes and cut with Classic Record's custom-built mono cutting head. Included are Falling In Love With Love, Mighty Moe and Joe, Bags' Groove, Double Exposure and News.
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