Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins & Benny Carter: Smack

This ad-hoc recording ensemble (which revived a name used for various small group record dates from the 1920s and '30s) reunited stars of the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra Henderson (whose nickname provided the tunes title) couldnt make it to the date, so, unusually for the time, no piano is heard here. Also, the side has no opening theme statement, but simply goes directly into its one-two-three punch of solos by some of the most distinctive soloists in jazz: Benny Carters polished and witty alto, Roy Eldridges incandescent trumpet and Coleman Hawkinss gruff and vigorous tenor.