by Scott YanowThe first of pianist Hampton Hawes' long string of Contemporary recordings (which, as with most of his output for that label, has been reissued on CD by Original Jazz Classics) features him in his early prime in a trio with bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Chuck Thompson. In addition to three of his basic originals, Hawes performs fresh and swinging versions of seven standards, making such overplayed tunes such as "I Got Rhythm," "What Is This Thing Called Love?," and "All the Things You Are" really come alive. A gem, the first of many classic Hawes Contemporary dates.