Dave Burns (1924-2009) was a vastly underrated trumpeter who was ignored by recording executives for years. In 1956, this veteran of Dizzy Gillespie's big band, Duke Ellington's band, and James Moody's group decided to give music a rest.

It was a short respite, and he was back in the scene four years later to great acclaim from a good deal of reviewers and fellow-musicians, mainly for his recordings as a sideman and for his performance with the Al Grey-Billy Mitchell Sextet in 1962, when he subbed for Donald Byrd. That summer, Vanguard became the label to finally recorded Burn's first album as a leader. At 38, Burns had turned into one of the more mature trumpeters in modern jazz. He played with fluency and authoritativeness in either open or muted context, and his solos were built with logic, strength and taste. There was another prominent musician present on this particular date: pianist Kenny Barron. Merely 18, Barron was already a consistent soloist who displayed depth and emotional maturity, and was able to project an air of honesty. Tenor saxophonist Herbert Morgan delivered some good solos, and Steve Davis and Edgar Bateman pair well together. This album itself is an impressive effort, especially when it comes to Burns and Barron.