and now listening to:
Clark Terry Featuring Paul Gonsalves – Daylight Express
Chess reissue of two Argo LPs:
Clark Terry – Out On A Limb (Argo, 1957)
and
Paul Gonsalves – Cookin' (Argo, 1957)
You’re right; ‘Humming Bird’ is not top notch Gonsalves. And -sorry to say- Kenny Wheeler’s playing tends to depress me.
Both ‘Just Friends’ and ‘Change of Setting’ with Tubby are in my wish list.
I don't understand the ruthless criticism and aggresiveness on him, either.
And of course he ain't no Sonny Rollins... there is only one Sonny Rollins!
It could also happen that the listener is not interested anymore into "seeing what comes next" from those regarded as more creative players (as per your definition), and prefers to remain happily revisiting those beaten paths.You never know where the sound of surprise might pop up!