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")