Ken McIntyre - Hindsight (1974)

Ken McIntyre had not recorded as a leader in 11 years when he cut this quartet set for SteepleChase, but he was more than ready. The well-rounded program (which on the CD reissue includes a second version of "Body and Soul") features McIntyre on separate features for his alto, flute, bassoon, oboe, and bass clarinet. Although often compared to Eric Dolphy early in his career, McIntyre actually has a style of his own, open to the innovations of the avant-garde but not shy to embrace melodies. With the assistance of pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Bo Stief, and drummer Alex Riel, McIntyre is in consistently brilliant form, with the highlights being "Lush Life" (on bassoon), "Body and Soul" (taken on bass clarinet), and "Naima" (for his oboe) and a heated alto workout on "Sunnymoon for Two."