Barney Kessel celebrated his domination of the 1956 magazine polls with one of the most challenging and unprecedented albums of his career, a twelve-tune recital where his guitar is surrounded by five woodwinds and a rhythm section playing his own crystalline scores. While the main focus is on the leader, such talented associates as Buddy Collette, André Previn, Jimmy Rowles, Red Mitchell, and Shelly Manne are also on hand to lend support. Among the many fine tune choices, two beautiful David Raksin compositions are given special treatment, as Kessel plays "Love Is for the Very Young" ("The Bad and the Beautiful") accompanied by the woodwinds only, and "Laura" as a duet with bassist Mitchell.

with Buddy Clark, Buddy Collette, Justin Gordon, Jules Jacob, Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell, Ted Nash, André Previn, Jimmy Rowles, George W. Smith, Howard Terry, Claude Williamson