The Jimmy Heath Sextet - The Quota and Triple Threat

2 LPs on 1 CD

These two albums, The Quota and Triple Threat by the Jimmy Heath sextet, present the Philadelphia brothers-in-arms in a series of particularly impressive blowing sessions, thanks not only to the quality of the soloists, but also to the framework created by Heaths fine arrangements.

There is a crisp, clean ensemble blend throughout, and Heaths loose, flowing scoring bring a sense of order for the wealth of good-to-excellent solo work. The three horns deliver admirably on both albums. Jimmy with his strong, tough-playing tenor, is imaginative and swinging; and Julius Watkins and Freddie Hubbard, both top-rank men, are consistently interesting and entertaining.

Watkins is a very effective performer, contributing notably in the ensemble, and Hubbard, especially, demonstrates deftly why he walked away with the 1961 critics poll citation as new-star trumpeter. Finally, Walton, Percy and Albert Heath are everything one could wish for in an assured and powerful rhythm section.

Jimmy Heath (ts), with Freddie Hubbard (tp), Julius Watkins (Frh), Cedar Walton (p), Percy Heath (b), Albert 'Tootie' Heath (d)