Naturally the focus here – and on a Volume Two from the same sessions, which I've yet to see – is on Walton's commanding versions of a selection of oldies. But this little-known album was originally produced by West Coast-based bassist and clubowner Senatore – indeed, it may be the highlight of his career (unless you count working with both Stan Kenton and Herb Alpert). It's interesting that the commission came from a Japanese label, because the repertoire clearly fits with the known preferences of Japan's jazz audience at the time. Similarly, the actual performance and its head arrangements are hardly ground-breaking, but beautifully done and, while the Fresh Sound blurb refers to Higgins' sticks, he's actually confined for all except one tune to his brushwork – which he does brilliantly, of course. If your reaction to the premise is a shrug, you may not be missing anything vital but, if you like the material and especially if you appreciate Walton and Higgins, this is a must.