Doug Watkins’ total body of work, while impressive is tragically limited due to his early death at just 27 years old. We as listeners are lucky to hear some of his outstanding playing on this particular album alongside Tommy Flanagan on piano and Max Roach on drums accompanying of the greatest tenormen of all time: Sonny Rollins. Watkins has the quintessential “bounce” to his quarter note lines that beboppers loved. Bass students would do well to match his groove while feeling the ride cymbal of Roach. Watkins only has one solo (Moritat/Mac the Knife) but as far as doing his job as a bassist, this album is easily one I plan to revisit when I’m trying to nail the “feel” of a great bassist.