Multi-instrumentalist Yusef Lateef: "Before Dawn"

This once rare recording is a fine document of tenor saxophonist/flutist/composer Yusef Lateef. It is a tight band and well rehearsed and together. At the time all these men were based in Detroit and came to New York to record for the Savoy label and this album for Verve Records. It is a great example of Yusef Lateef's tunes and a pleasure to hear young Curtis Fuller in trombone, Hugh Lawson (an underrated master) on piano, Ernie Farrow on bass and a teenaged Louis Hayes on drums. Seven of the eight tunes are by Yusef Lateef and they explore a wide variety of moods. The final tune is a classic by Charlie Parker. "Before Dawn" is a fine experience in timeless Jazz and one of Yusef Lateef's early triumphs.