MEL LEWIS 'MELIFLUOUS QUINTET' LONG DELETED 1981 LP

This quintet led by drummer Mel Lewis was actually part of his larger orchestra, so they were high gear by the time of this 1981 recording session. Pianist Jim McNeely contributed the adventurous post-bop "Blue Note" and the intricate "Giving Way," the latter track featuring trombonist John Mosca and Dick Oatts (on alto flute).

 McNeely's creative treatments of two of Bud Powell's works, "Audrey" and "John's Abbey," are masterful, while the sensitive interpretation of Duke Ellington's lush ballad "Warm Valley" is actually based on transcriptions of a number of recordings of the piece by its composer, highlighted by Oatts' impassioned alto sax.

The only standard on the date is a very lyrical unrehearsed trio performance of "I'm Old Fashioned." Bassist Marc Johnson, who proved his value as a part of Bill Evans' final trio, complements each selection with some imaginatively chosen lines, and the leader's brushwork is first rate, as always.

Sleeve has a crease to top left, otherwise Ex +.  Vinyl is Ex+.