After dropping the synthesizers and reformatting his group Horizon in 1990, alto saxophonist Bobby Watson recorded one of the most memorable CDs of his career. His opener "The Punjab of Java Po'" is a powerful hard bop number with elements of East Indian and Brazilian influences, while its catchy bass vamp supports strong solos by pianist Ed Simon, trumpeter Melton Mustafa, and the leader. Drummer Victor Lewis proves to be as gifted a composer as Watson. He wrote two vehicles for Watson's soprano sax: "Big Girls" and the tense uptempo "7th Avenue." The arrangement of standards such as "Falling in Love With Love" and "In a Sentimental Mood" are also worth noting. A very commendable, but now out-of-print release. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
01. The Punjab Of Java Po' (Bobby Watson)
02. Big Girls (Victor Lewis)
03. Falling In Love (Lorenz Hart/Richard Rodgers)
04. 7th Avenue (Victor Lewis)
05. Appointment In Milano (Bobby Watson)
06. In Case You Missed It (Bobby Watson)
07. In A Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington)
08. Slippin'& Slidin' (Edward Simon)
09. Bah-Da-Da-Da-Dah-Dah (Victor Lewis)
10. Last Chance To Groove (Melton Mustafa)
EDWARD SIMON piano
MELTON MUSTAFA trumpet
CARROLL DASHIELL double bass
VICTOR LEWIS drums
BOBBY WATSON Alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
Recorded September 17 & 18, 1990 at Power Station, NYC
Blue Note Records CDP 7 95148 2