On the fine all-round
A Better Understanding session,
Sonny Fortune is mostly in the spotlight. Although generally playing alto,
Fortune is also heard on soprano and flute. In fact, the opening 6/4 romp, "Mind Games," has
Fortune overdubbed on both soprano and flute. Some of the modal pieces (such as "Awakening") sound like they could have composed by
McCoy Tyner although
Fortune actually wrote all nine selections. In addition to some minor-toned blues and modal numbers, "It's a Bird" is a hot hard bop number, one of three that have
Fortune joined by trumpeter
Jerry Gonzalez and trombonist
Robin Eubanks. Another highlight is "Tribute to a Holiday" due to its strong melody and
Fortune's lyrical alto. While not one of
Fortune's most essential releases (one wishes that he had played some tenor too),
A Better Understanding has enough variety and surprises to make it recommended. ~ Scott Yanow