Tenor-saxophonist Bennie Wallace's first six recordings as a leader (all for Enja during 1978-82) featured his large tone and advanced solos with sparse rhythm sections. Sweeping Through The City was a transitional record that looked toward his upcoming Blue Note dates. Wallace is teamed with the rambunctious trombonist Ray Anderson, guitarist John Scofield, bass, drums and the four-voice gospel group "The Wings Of Song." Although the music looks toward the roots of black music, Wallace and Anderson's consistently wild solos keep the results from ever being predictable. Recommended. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Eight Page Bible
02. On Radio 5
03. Trouble And Woe
04. Some Might Think We Are Dancing
05. Refrain
06. The Bread Man
07. Sweeping Through The City
JOHN SCOFIELD guitar
MIKE RICHMOND bass
DENNIS IRWIN bass (7)
TOM WHALEY drums
BENNIE WALLACE tenor saxophone
RAY ANDERSON trombone
PAT CONLEY piano, vocals (7)
CORA HILL, FRANCES JENKINS, MARYBELLE PORTER vocals (7)
All music by Bennie Wallace
Recorded March 1984 at Eurosaound & Planet Sound, New York City
Enja Records - enja 4078