Here’s Fuller in his 1950s heyday when he seemed to be perpetually in the New York studios cutting albums for the leading labels of the time, in this case for Savoy; the trio of bonus tracks also culled from a Savoy album entitled Jazz… It’s Magic. Golson’s ‘Five Spot After Dark’ opens with its familiar riff theme neatly delivered, Fuller following with a long solo passage made up of rhythmic fragments and jabs before Golson merges references to his mate Coltrane’s dominant style and allusions to Lucky Thompson in his improvisation. He pushes hard, the rhythm team moving everything along well, then it’s Flanagan with his trademark crispness and nimble attack, everything coherent and resolved. ‘Undecided’ swings as it always has, with Fuller thinking in more joined-up fashion while Golson seems determined to throw everything he’s got into his solo, as if trying all too hard for meaning. He’s more settled on the medium tempo ’Love Your Spell Is Everywhere’. The album title piece is by Fuller and has him muted, his facility falling marginally short of that of his main influence, JJ Johnson, but still impressive while ‘Twelve Inch’ underlines Fuller’s added usefulness as a composer.

With three alternative takes included plus the bonus tracks featuring Fuller’s under-sung Detroit pal, Sonny Red, there’s a whole lot here to appreciate; even if both front-liners had even greater days ahead. For now, it’s Flanagan’s timeless acuity and his pinpoint touch that pleases most. Nearer three stars than four, I’d say.