Sometimes the easiest way to get "in" to someone's music is to see how they handle standards. Altoist Arthur Blythe, who -- although he has been associated somewhat with the avant-garde -- does not fit easily into any category, is heard on this 1978 studio session exploring four veteran songs plus two of his originals. The instrumentation of his quartet is conventional but the musicianship is exceptionally high (pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Fred Hopkins, and drummer Steve McCall, and it is quite interesting to hear how they stretch such songs as "In a Sentimental Mood,""Jitterbug Waltz," and "Caravan," making them sound fresh and original. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. The Jitterbug Waltz (Richard Maltby Jr. / Fats Waller)
2. 2. In a Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills)
3. Break Tune (Arthur Blythe)
4. Caravan (Duke Ellington / Irvin Mills / Juan Tizol)
5. Hip Dripper (Arthur Blythe)
6. 6. Naima (John Coltrane)
ARTHUR BLYTHE alto saxophone
STEVE McCALL drums
FRED HOPKINS bass
STANLEY COWELL piano
Recorded at Mediasound Studios, NY.
CBS - 84152