Straight Ahead

This is one of Abbey Lincoln's greatest recordings. It is a testament to the credibility of her very honest music (and her talents) that Lincoln's sidemen on this date include the immortal tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins who takes a memorable solo on "Blue Monk"), Eric Dolphy on flute and alto, trumpeter Booker Little (whose melancholy tone is very important in the ensembles), pianist Mal Waldron, and drummer Max Roach. Tracks are: Straight Ahead, When Malindy Sings, in the Red, Monkery's the Blues (lyric version of Blue Monk), Left Alone, African Lady, Retribution. 180 gram vinyl.