Although he's a monster tenor soloist on funky, exuberant, bluesy soul-jazz,
Stanley Turrentine is even more awesome on ballads. His rich, steamy sound, full tone, and ability to pace and develop moods is ideal for show tunes and sentimental love songs. This nine-track set begins with
Turrentine nicely caressing the melody and turning in a standout treatment on "Willow Weep For Me," continuing through tearjerkers ("Since I Fell For You") and blues anthems ("God Bless The Child"), and closing with
Thad Jones' beautiful "A Child Is Born."
Turrentine is matched with numerous premier players, and pianist
McCoy Tyner, guitarist
Jimmy Smith, and even
Turrentine's brother
Tommy (trumpet) gently support and complement the main soloist. One of the best Blue Note special discs, featuring moving, frequently hypnotic playing from a true tenor great. ~ Ron Wynn