Yusef Lateef - Into Something

The complete album + 2 bonus tracks - limited edition 180g vinyl pressing.

By 1961, with the recording of 'Into Something' (presented here) and 'Eastern Sounds', Yusef Lateef's dominant presence within a group context had emerged. His Eastern' influences are clearly audible in all these recordings. The tunes themselves are a mixture of jazz standards and blues. 'Into Something' marked the second out of just two preserved collaborations by Lateef with drummer Elvin Jones, whom by the time of this recording was already a member of the John Coltrane Quartet.

This superior set features Yusef Lateef on some straight-ahead tunes. In addition, there are some more adventurous and exotic works too, making this a well-rounded program. Lateef is joined by pianist Barry Harris, bassist Herman Wright, and drummer Elvin Jones for a particularly memorable performance. - ****1/2 Scott Yanow, AllMusic