Underrated. Underappreciated. Underplayed. Underpromoted. These are the words that flow through my mind when I listen to Arab Barber Blues, Nice Question and other tracks on this 1956 Blue Note recording. This is swinging, enjoyable music. The rhythm section alone is worth the price of admission. Excellent sound. 

The composer: Gil Melle (1931-2204).

The musicians: Gil Melle (tenor and baritone saxophones), Eddie Bert (trombone), Joe Cinderella (guitar), Oscar Pettiford (bass) and Ed Thigpen (drums).

The Label: Blue Note BLP 1517. Mono.

The Recording engineer: Rudy Van Gelder, April 1, 1956

The Reissue label: Music Matters Jazz 2 x 12”, 45 RPM vinyl series – Year: 2009

Listen to Arab Barber Blues.

The LP shows as still available on the MMJ website, at a price that is way below what they are asking on Discogs. 

https://www.musicmattersjazz.com/Gil-Melle-Patterns-in-Jazz-Blue-Note-Vinyl-Reissue-p/mmblp-1517.htm