The pianist Freddie Redd is best known for appearing in and writing music for the stage and film versions of The Connection, a 1959 play by Jack Gelber that depicted the life of bohemian drug addicts. Redd has recorded some fine albums in a career dating back to the early 1950s, and this 1961 release is clearly one of them. The ensemble assembled here — Redd, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Louis Hayes — has a great feeling for this set of originals by the pianist. Both McLean and the lesser known Brooks are excellent soloists and when they play themes in tandem, the combination of their distinctive tones is striking. “The Thespian” (is the title a reference to Redd’s acting role in The Connection?) features a slow, intriguing melody before the tempo picks up and McLean and Brooks unfurl a pair of wonderful solos. The next track, “Blues-Blues-Blues,” works with a more familiar form, but Redd puts his personal stamp on it. The album closes with the Spanish-tinged “Ole,” followed by a pair of alternate takes of “Melanie” and “Ole.” Shades of Redd is yet another classic from Blue Note’s remarkable 1960s catalogue.