The pianist George Wallington led quintets on the four LPs included here, recorded in 1956/57 first three are shining examples of mainstream modern hard bop , with distinctive solos from Wallington, Phil Woods (alto sax) and Donald Byrd (trumpet). The music on the fourth album, recorded in stereo, evokes the atmosphere of a typical set at one of the old 52nd Street clubs Donald Byrd/Idrees Sulieman/Thad Jones (tp), Phil Woods (as), George Wallington (p) Teddy Kotick/ ‘Knobby’ Totah/ Curley Russell (b), Art Taylor/ Nick Stabulas/ Denzil Best (d)
