Bobby reels things in for this one. Of the Hutcherson albums I've reviewed, this one is the least abstract. There are hints of abstract jazz apparent throughout the album, but they're no where near as pronounced as on Components, for example. Without the abstract elements Stick-Up! would be a fairly straight forward jazz album, but the light abstract jazz gives this one a flavor all it's own.

Like all the other Hutcherson albums, this one exhibits excellent playing from all it's performers. McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson deliver spectacular performances, Herbie Lewis and Billy Higgins play great as well. But, Bobby is the star of the show. While his playing isn't as adventurous as on previous albums, it's damn near perfect in this light abstract setting. The cover of Coleman's "Una Muy Bonita" was excellent (I'm going to have to review his Atlantic albums, I keep mentioning him!) But my favorite tracks were "Summer Nights" and "Verse".

Overall, this is another great album from Bobby. Pretty much everything Bobby released for Blue Note in the 60s was astounding, Stick-Up! is no exception.

A live solo Cecil Taylor album. Cecil plays his one-of-a-kind style of piano for 6 tracks, totalling just under an hour. Will you like this album? I don't know? You’ve really got to be into free/abstract jazz to even begin to enjoy this one. Cecil's playing style is so incredibly bizarre that what makes it so different is what makes it so interesting. If you don't mind being challenged musically, you'll enjoy this album. If you like melodies, a beat or even harmonies, then Cecil's work is definitely not for you. If you want to hear the piano played like you've never heard it before, then listen to this album.

Another masterful release from Jackie McLean. Most everything I said about Let Freedom Ring applies to One Step Beyond. The major difference between Freedom and Beyond is the addition of Bobby Hutcherson and Tony Williams. Both give Beyond this great sound. The conversations between Jackie and Bobby are what make this album so unique. There's something about the vibes that just opens things up, I couldn't really tell you why. Anyway, the standout track is the epic Ghost Town. At 14 minutes, a lot of ground is covered.

So, overall, if you liked Let Freedom Ring, you need to hear One Step Beyond. One Step Beyond is a great album that tricks you into listening to avant-garde/free jazz.

Another great album from Bobby Hutcherson. Happenings has a great line-up, Herbie Hancock on piano, Paul Chambers on drums, Bob Cranshaw on bass and Bobby on vibes. The lack of any type of horn really gives this album a unique sound. Paul and Bob provide a solid foundation for Bobby and Herbie to perform some amazing solos. The music is rather low key, as in, a quiet intensity. Also, while all the songs stick to the modal bop of the time, there are bits of abstract jazz thrown in. "The Omen" is a very abstract song that's all about eerie atmosphere, but it's the only truly abstract song on the album. Along with an amazing version of Herbie's "Maiden Voyage", "The Omen" is a standout.

Overall, this is an excellent album, definitely worth checking out if you want to hear more Blue Note era Herbie Hancock, but that's not to say Hutcherson was overshadowed, he played just as good

A solid early 60s jazz album. Nothing particularly groundbreaking, but everyone plays great. Besides Stanley, Les McCann on piano is a notable player. While That's Where It's At is an enjoyable album, I liked his CTI stuff much more.