unrelenting swing in his self-led bands, as well as in those whose respective

leaders read like an encyclopedia of straight ahead post-bop modern jazz.

For this high-quality hard bop set, the veteran drummer put together an

accurately titled super quartet that featured tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson,

pianist Kirk Lightsey, and bassist Essiet Essiet. The music, which is comprised

of seven jazz standards plus a tenor/drums take on a blues tune called Blue Lou

(not the swing standard), is spontaneous, full of energy, and superbly played.

Hayes has a long history including major stints with the Horace Silver Quintet

(1956 59), the Cannonball Adderley Quintet (1959 65), and the Oscar

Peterson Trio (1965 67) in addition to spending three years as a member of

the McCoy Tyner Trio. In addition to his freelance work during the past 45

years, he has often led his own all-star groups including notable quintets that

he co-led with Junior Cook and Woody Shaw.