This is one of the most well-rounded Arthur Blythe records from his Columbia period. The distinctive altoist performs three passionate originals and an unlikely version of "Strike Up The Band" with a quintet also including cellist Abdul Wadud, guitarist Kelvyn Bell, Bob Stewart on tuba and drummer Bobby Battle. In addition he is featured on "Misty" with a more conventional trio (pianist John Hicks, bassist Fred Hopkins and drummer Steve McCall), plays his "Spirits In The Field" with Wadud and Stewart, and is quite effective on a reverent but swinging rendition of "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" with Stewart and organist Amina Claudine Myers. One of many Columbia LP's long overdue to be reissued on CD, this is a fairly definitive Arthur Blythe recording, showing off his links to hard bop, r&b and the avant-garde. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Contemplation (Arthur Blythe)
2. Faceless Woman (Arthur Blythe)
3. Revernece (Arthur Blythe)
4. Strike up the Band (Geroge Gershwin / Ira Gershwin)
5. Misty (John Burke / Erroll garner)
6. Spirits in the Field (Arthir Blythe)
7. Just a Closer Walk With Thee (Traditional)
FRED HOPKINS bass (5)
ABDUL WADUD cello (1-4) (6)
BOBBY BATTLE drums (1-4)
STEVE McCALL drums (5)
KELVYN BELL e-guitar (1-4)
AMINA CLAUDINE MYERS organ (7)
ARTHUR BLYTHE alto saxophone
BOB STEWART tuba (1-4) (6) (7)
JOHN HICKS piano (5)
Recorde at CBS Recording Studios, New York
Columbia FC 37427