Harold Land - Eastward Ho! (LP)

Harold Land's "Eastward Ho!" is a quintessential hard bop album that captures the essence of the genre with its fiery and distinctive saxophone playing. Recorded in New York City on July 5 and 8, 1960, this album features Land's tenor saxophone alongside the trumpet of Kenny Dorham, with a rhythm section comprising Amos Trice on piano, Clarence Jones on bass, and Joe Peters on drums. The album's five tracks, including "So In Love" and "Okay Blues," showcase Land's unique voice, which blends the smooth tones of the West Coast with the fiery energy of the East Coast jazz scene. With a duration of just under 39 minutes, "Eastward Ho!" is a concise yet powerful exploration of hard bop, bebop, and cool jazz, making it a standout release in Harold Land's discography. The album was originally released on the Jazzland label and has since been reissued by Original Jazz Classics, ensuring that this classic jazz album continues to reach new audiences.