VC #2: Arthur Blythe 'Put Sunshine In It'
At the time of release this record may have come as a shock to most Arthur Blythe fans. Blythe was an (alto) saxophone player mainly associated with contemporary jazzmen as Chico Freeman, Jack DeJohnette and Art Ensemble of Chicago trumpeter Lester Bowie.
On this album however the music is composed/produced by Bruce Purse and Todd Cochran. The duo weaving an electronic carpet of keyboards, computer drums and synth bass on which Blythe can take a ride. Some people may consider this smooth jazz but the music is to intensive for that.
Fusion icons and stellar bass players Stanley Clarke and Alphonso Johnson join in, as do drummers Ndugu Chancelor, Gerry Brown and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. Closing piece is "Sentimental Walk" by Vladimir Cosma originally composed for the French movie "Diva". A very enjoyable album to my ears, all together showing the extraordinary sax playing of Blythe, no matter the setting.
Released in 1985 on CBS Records.
A side:
- Tumalumah
- Put sunshine in it
- Uptown strut
B side:
- Silhouette
- #5
- Sentimental walk (theme from "Diva")
