Sahib Shihab's career started in the late 1930's where he would play for the likes of Luther Henderson and Roy Eldridge while studying at the Boston Conservatory. During the 1940's Shihab played with many of the greats from this period, including Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, Miles Davis and many more. Especially his work with Monk proved to be important as it marked the switch from alto to baritone saxophone. The present release was recorded alongside Kenny Drew, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, and Jimmy Hopps in Copenhagen in 1971, and features a programme of works mostly by Shihab. "Most of the compositions are by the leader, starting with the exotic blend of hard bop and African rhythm, featuring Shihab's dancing soprano sax and Pedersen's bass solo. Drew switches to organ and Pedersen makes a relatively rare appearance on electric bass on the funky "Sentiments". The leader switches to baritone sax for Drew's exuberant ballad "Extase". (Ken Dryden)
