In the early "60s, the newest, strongest, most pervasive influence in jazz was the Gospel music of southern Negro church congregations, and few personified this more succinctly than pianist Les McCann. This in-person recording at The Bit a coffee house on Hollywood s Sunset Strip is a great example of his return- to-the-roots style, with McCann and his trio speaking directly from the musical heritage of his people immediate, emotional, and very communicative. With the leader"s off-hand announcements and remarks, this album seems almost an inside performance for friends. With the splendid support of Leroy Vinnegar and Ron Jefferson, the trio brings out the deep feelings of the American Negro music. "We"re just trying to play good, happy music," said McCann. "We try for a group pulsation. Most music you hear is so tense, it makes you feel twisted up inside. Now, so far we"ve never tried to impress anybody; we don"t want to impress anybody just to get a happy feeling on the stand." As these recordings show, they do that and much more besides.