This set was a change-of-pace for Chico Freeman for it features the usually adventurous tenor (who doubles on soprano) mostly playing warm versions of standards. The CD reissue adds four previously unissued selections (including a pair of Coltrane tunes, "Lonnie's Lament" and "Wise One") to the original program. With pianist John Hicks, bassist Cecil McBee and either Billy Hart or Don Moye on drums offering fine support (vibraphonist Jay Hoggard sits in on "Carnival"), Freeman pushes at but does not break the boundaries of hard bop. Highlights include "Autumn in New York" (a duet with McBee), Horace Horace Silver’s "Peace," "It Never Entered My Mind" and the bassist's "Close to You Alone." - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Autumn in New York (Vernon Duke)
02. Peace (Horace Silver)
03. A Child Is Born (Thad Jones)
04. Lonnie’s Lament (John Coltrane)
05. You Don’t Have to Sat You’re Sorry (Patty Austin)
06. Wise One (John Coltrane)
07. It Never Entered My Mind (Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers)
08. Close to You Alone (Chico Freeman)
09. Carnival (Chico Freeman)
10. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington / Bob Russell)
CHICO FREEMAN tenor and soprano saxes
CECIL McBEE bass
JOHN HICKS piano
BILLY HART drums
DON MOYE drums on (09) & (10)
JAY HOGGARD vibes on (09)
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