This was, in a way, soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom's debut, in that it was the first of her albums to be put out by a label she did not herself own -- her first two records were self-produced. Even at such an early stage in her development one can hear the attention to craft that would always characterize her work, though her skills at this point were not what they would later become. Bloom's control over the horn was occasionally dubious, but she evidenced an attractive tone and a coherent (if a bit immature and self-conscious) manner of phrasing. Her tunes were already quite sophisticated and distinctive, pointing to the even more ambitious composer into which she evolved. On the other hand, her band for this album will probably not be excelled for the rest of her career. Charlie Haden and Ed Blackwell are pretty heavy company for such a callow young musician to be keeping, and pianist Fred Hersch is certainly no slouch. Obviously, the rhythm section's work raises this music to a higher plane than it would have reached had not Bloom the wherewithal to engage the services of these gentlemen. - Chris Kelsey
Tracks
01. 2-5-1 (Jane Ira Bloom)
02. Lost in the Stars (Maxwell Anderson/Kurt Weill)
03. I Got Rhythm But No Melody (Jane Ira Bloom)
04. The Man With Glasses (Jane Ira Bloom)
05. Change Up (Jane Ira Bloom)
06. Mighty Lights (Jane Ira Bloom)
JANE IRA BLOOMsoprano saxophone
CHARLIE HADEN bass
ED BLACKWELL drums
FRED HERSCH piano
Recorded at Vanguard Studios, New York City, on November 17 & 18, 1982
Enja Records - GQCP-59052