Because he chose to spend nearly his entire career as a studio guitarist, there are relatively few recorded examples of
Howard Roberts as a bop-oriented jazz player. This 1998 CD has seven privately recorded performances of
Roberts at the legendary Donte's club in Los Angeles during May 1968. He stretches out on seven jazz standards with the assistance of pianist
Dave Grusin (a few years before he started becoming well-known), bassist
Chuck Berghofer, and drummer
John Guerin. In addition to four quartet numbers (including
"On a Clear Day" and "Alone Together"),
Roberts is joined on "Milestones" by tenor saxophonist
John Gross, on a burning "Giant Steps" by the young
Tom Scott on tenor, and on "Dolphin Dance" by both
Scott and fellow tenor
Pete Christlieb, who at one point get involved in a saxophone battle. The recording quality is listenable, if not flawless, but the music (which shows that
Roberts could jam with the best of them) is somewhat valuable. ~ Scott Yanow
