by Ken DrydenGene Quill led very few dates of his own during his career, but these two sessions made for Roost feature the alto saxophonist in an unusual setting with a trio of trombonists (Frank Rehak, Jimmy Cleveland, and Jim Dahl) and a rhythm section consisting of drummer Charlie Persip, bassist Whitey Mitchell, and either Nat Pierce or Hank Jones on piano. Quill, who sounds very similar to frequent musical partner Phil Woods (though he is a bit more laid-back), is obviously stimulated by both groups, while the solo baton is passed around a good bit with no one being left out. Highlights include the sauntering take of Horace Silver's "The Preacher," a lively arrangement of Thad Jones' "Three and One," and a swinging interpretation of Duke Ellington's "In a Mellotone." Liner note writer Barry Ulanov takes the time to identify the soloists track by track, which is always a welcome touch. The only disappointment about this Fresh Sound CD reissue of this long unavailable album is the omission of composer credits.