This review is from: Far Away Lands (CD-R) This May 26th, 1967 session features as always Hank on tenor, Donald Byrd (trumpet)
Cedar Walton(piano) Ron Carter (bass) and Billy Higgins (drums).
It's more intimate a setting than "Slice Of The Top" or some of Hanks augmented affairs.
Starts of with a hip blues "A Dab Of This & That". Soloing is strong with Hank in peak form. "Far Away Lands" the title track is a Jimmy Heath composition and is a quick paced minor groove. Billy Higgins' drumming is like a Swiss precision watch . "No Argument" is another fast paced minor blues and Hank soars like an eagle.
"Hippity-Hop" has a distinct Horace Silver "Cape Verdean" feel to it except slower paced and funkier. Strong solos all round. Again Higgin's drumming is just meticulous.
"Bossa For Baby" is lush and romantic with Hank & Donald playing the melody in unison. Hank's solo is superb.
"Soul Time" is a very funky blues in 3/4 time and makes the most fitting end to this wonderful session clocking in at nearly 7 mins long. All tracks are either 5 and half or 6 mins long.
A very strong, classic 1967 performance from every member and the sound is just perfect as in every Blue Note record. Well worth obtaining.