Altoist Bobby Watson has always been a consistent improviser whose roots are in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers but who is open to freer innovations. For this Red album, Watson is joined by pianist John Hicks, bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith for five of his originals, one by his wife Pamela Watson and Curtis Lundy's "Sho Thang." With such titles as "The Mistery of Ebop,""Blues for Alto" and the title cut, the high-quality music is essentially advanced hard bop and gives Watson a good opportunity to stretch out on some challenging structures. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. The Misery of Ebop
2. Love Remains (Bobby Watson/Pamela Watson)
3. Blues for Alto (Bobby Watson)
4. Ode for Aaron (Bobby Watson)
5. Dark Days (For Nelson Mandela) (Bobby Watson)
6. Sho Thang (Curtis Lundy)
7. The Love We Had Yesterday (Bobby Watson)
BOBBY WATSON alto saxophone
CURTIS LUNDY bass
JOHN HICKS piano
MARVIN "SMITTY" SMITH drums
Recorded live November 13, 1986 at Manhattan Recording Company N.Y.C.
RED Records - 12321-2 Italy