CD
This single CD contains 12 performances by pianist Russ Freeman (with either Joe Mondragon or Monty Budwig on bass and drummer Shelly Manne), plus the one regular studio session (eight songs) that ill-fated pianist Richard Twardzik led (in a trio with bassist Carson Smith and drummer Peter Littman). Due to its rarity, the Twardzik date is more important historically, but actually Freeman generally takes solo honors. Fine, straight-ahead music from two of the mid-'50s' more promising pianists. [The Japanese release adds 13 bonus tracks from these sessions but does not include the alternate take of "Crutch for the Crab."] Scott Yanow, All Music Guide