The name Herb Ellis doesn’t automatically spring to mind when the topic is iconic Texan guitarists. However, he’s definitely a Lone Star State luminary with a warm bluesy feel to whatever tune is called. Whether sandwiched between Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson in the latter’s barn-stormin’ trio, accompanying Ella for three years or undertaking unlimited session duties for Norman Granz, Phil Spector and many others, Herb Ellis seldom found time to fashion his own albums until the mid-1970s. Recorded after he’d quit the Granz organisation, his choice of band mates is slightly eclectic. Aside from fellow Texans Buddy Tate (on top form) and Gus Johnson, trumpet duties are shared between former JATP sidekick Roy Eldridge and the Dukes Of Dixieland’s Frank Assunto leaving soul-struttin’ Ray Bryant to expertly operate the 88s. This is unquestionably a no-brainer: music to drink beer and dance to (‘Broadway’, ‘Gravy Waltz’, ‘Things Ain’t What They Used To Be’ etc) and all the more enjoyable for it.