Frank Wess, John Coltrane, Paul Quinichette, Mal Waldron, Doug Watkins, and Art Taylor’s Wheelin’ and Dealin’ is a compact but thrilling snapshot of hard bop energy from 1958. Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, the session feels more like a live club set than a polished studio date, which gives it an immediacy that’s both engaging and unpredictable. As part of Craft Recordings’ Original Jazz Classics series, Wheelin’ and Dealin’ is being reissued on 180-gram vinyl from lacquers cut from the original stereo tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
The opener, “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be,” sets the stage with a swinging groove that immediately lets the rhythm section breathe. Wess’ warm, airy tones and Quinichette’s smooth phrasing contrast nicely with Coltrane’s probing runs, creating a dialogue that feels lively and spontaneous from the first note. The track, “Wheelin’,” is tight and energetic, a showcase of the horns’ interplay over Mal Waldron’s nimble piano lines and the solid groove of Doug Watkins and Art Taylor. “Robbins’ Nest” stretches out to a 15-minute exploration, giving each player room to stretch: Coltrane’s solos are fiery and expansive, Quinichette brings a refined elegance, and Wess adds melodic flourishes that tie the performance together. The closing track, “Dealin’,” slows things down with a sultrier, more introspective mood, letting the horns (and Wess’ flute) converse more subtly while Waldron’s understated piano and the rhythm section’s steady pulse hold the performance in balance.
Though brief, the album is remarkable for its sense of immediacy and collaborative energy. Each track rewards attentive listening, whether it’s the swinging charm of the opener, the title track’s crisp dynamics, or the expansive adventure of “Robbins’ Nest.” The new vinyl remaster brings this session vividly to life: the horns feel present and dimensional, the rhythm section carries warmth and depth, and the overall sound makes you feel like you’re right there in the studio with the band. Wheelin’ and Dealin’ remains a hidden gem, highlighting not just Coltrane but the equally compelling voices of Wess, Quinichette, and Waldron.
