The second in the excellent series of recordings Hampton Hawes did in a trio setting for Contemporary, it again included Red Mitchell and Chuck Thompson. Ballad standards, originals by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker, and the good blues, are presented in a manner that remains fresh to this day. Hawes's combination of harmonic sophistication and great rhythmic drive found kindred spirits in Mitchell and Thompson. Hawes explained that Charlie Parker's influence on him was as strong, or stronger, than any pianist. "It was Bird's conception of time that influenced me most,” he explained, “and made me realize how important meter and time are in jazz to make it swing."

with Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson