Nearing the end of his life, on the stage of one of the world's most celebrated jazz festivals, Gene Ammons showed a cheering crowd the muscular lyricism and tough groove that made him a cornerstone of the Prestige sound for nearly a quarter-century. With four tracks featuring the trio-plus-congas support heard on his classic Boss Tenor (OJC-297) plus a grand finale where Dexter Gordon and the Brothers Adderley join Jug for a recap of his patented jam sessions, this Montreux set presents many of Ammons's definitive moods. Highlights include a tribute to longtime sparring partner Sonny Stitt, exceptional blowing by guests Gordon and Nat Adderley on the jam, an earth-moving hookup by the all-Ken percussion section, and contributions from Hampton Hawes and Bob Cranshaw that eloquently place electric instruments at the service of the bebop muse.

Yardbird Suite, Since I Fell for You, New Sonny’s Blues, Sophisticated Lady, ’Treux Bleu

with Hampton Hawes, Bob Cranshaw, Kenny Clarke, Kenneth Nash, Cannonball Adderley, Nat Adderley, Dexter Gordon