"What's New?" is the Bob Haggart standard performed on Paul Chambers's 1957 self-titled Blue Note quintet album, featuring solos from all four melodic voices in the group. Clifford Jordan opens with a single tenor saxophone chorus over the 32-bar AABA form in C major at a medium swing tempo, his warm tone and melodic approach ideally suited to the standard's romantic character. Donald Byrd follows with a trumpet chorus of similar lyricism, and Tommy Flanagan contributes a characteristically elegant piano chorus. Chambers closes the solo sequence with a bass chorus that demonstrates his extraordinary melodic gifts on the instrument, his lines singing with the clarity and expressiveness of a horn. The performance exemplifies the democratic nature of Chambers's quintet, each musician receiving equal attention and contributing equally to the musical whole. The medium-tempo swing provides a relaxed setting that allows each soloist to explore the familiar changes with creativity and personal expression. Elvin Jones's drumming is supportive throughout, his brushwork adding to the intimate atmosphere.
