Les McCann & The Mitchell-Ruff Trio - 20 Special Fingers: Much Les & Catbird Seat

A reissue of two separate Atlantic recordings on one CD, the first is early period Les Mccann in a half-and-half mix of straight soul-jazz tracks rivaling Ramsey Lewis, alternating with string and vocal infused ballads. The Dwike Mitchell-Willie Ruff trio sides (sans Ruff's French Horn) are all straight piano-bass-drums, mostly lighter cocktail-like fare, a bit of bop, and low-key ballads. They provide a stark contrast to differing points of views in early-'60s jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide