Originally from Texas, Harold Land freelanced around Los Angeles before commencing an auspicious career when, in 1954, Max Roach invited him to join a quintet he co-lead with Clifford Brown. Then, just when that ensemble began to gain national recognition, family concerns prompted Land to remain in L.A. where under his own name he recorded two exceptional albums The Fox and Grooveyard, as well as seeing service in a group fronted by Curtis Counce plus participating in innumerable albums by Gerald Wilson. He later teamed up with Bobby Hutcherson and this, previously only available in Japan session, is testament to just how well this partnership worked. Land's dark and deep-rooted sax contrasted effectively with Hutcherson's very personalised approach to the vibraphone. Supported by a fatback-inclined rhythm team it indicated one (populist) direction jazz was easing into.