Bassist Leslie Baker (who had picked up experience playing in many different settings in the Los Angeles area) made her debut as a leader on this CD, a mostly straight-ahead bop date that has a fair amount of variety. Baker teams up with flutist Steve Fowler, pianist Phil Wright, guitarist Terry Evans, drummer Billy Paul and singer Earl Alexander. Baker and Wright contributed two originals apiece, Fowler brought in the catchy "One Door Opens" and the quintet also plays seven standards (including two Versions of "Sometime Ago"). Although the leader takes several bass solos (including on Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," "Squeeze Me but Please Don't Tease Me"), and bowed on "Gentle Rain," she does not dominate the music and often features Wright, Fowler or Evans (who is showcased on Wes Montgomery's "Road Song") as the lead voices on various tunes. Most of the music is taken at relaxed tempos and the overall effect is both tasteful and swinging with a few bossa novas included for contrast. An impressive effort. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Phil Wright (Piano), Earl Alexander (Guitar), Billy Paul (Drums), Steve Fowler (Saxophone), Leslie Baker (Vocals), Leslie Baker (Bass), Terry Evans (Vocals), Earl Alexander (Vocals), Steve Fowler (Flute)
