Live At Pep's

This mid-'60s concert was one of Lateef's finest, as it perfectly displayed his multiple influences and interests. There were hard bop originals, covers of jazz classics like Leonard Feather's "Twelve Tone Blues" and an unorthodox but effective version of Ma Rainey's "See See Rider." On "Sister Mamie" and "Number 7," and drummer James Black's "The Magnolia Triangle," Lateef moves away from strict jazz, although he retained his improvisational flair. Lateef played meaty tenor sax solos and entrancing flute and bamboo flute offerings, and also had impressive stints on oboe, shenai, and argol. This was a pivotal date in his career, and those unaware of it will get a treat with this disc.