For his third album, Nat Simpkins' big, muscular (no scrimping on ruggedness here) tenor takes a different road than his two previous albums. Absent the organ present on previous releases, the playing is less funky, but still studded with boppish and blues-ish overtones. Simpkins is joined by the steady rhythm section of Michael Cochrane on piano, Cecil Brooks III on drums, and bassist Calvin Hill. Together, the quartet engages in an hour of relaxed exposition of a play list of mostly standards, a couple of less familiar pieces, and a few originals by Simpkins. These tunes were obviously selected with the idea firmly in mind of showing a softer, romantic side of Simpkins' tenor. They are also designed to permit Simpkins to demonstrate he is not stuck in the Stanley Turrentine mold where some have put him based on earlier releases. He shows that he has listened to and learned from Ben Webster and the ballad style of John Coltrane, along with a dash of Gene Ammons for seasoning. These three influences, with some Turrentine still around, plus his own approach, combine for excellent versions of such tunes as "All the Way" and "Violets for Your Furs." The latter features an attractive piano interlude by Cochrane. Nothing ever gets too rambunctious during this session. The most upbeat matters get is on another Simpkins composition, a hard bop "Carmen," and "Conchy Joe," a beach samba. This soothing album is perfect for a backdrop to for an escape to anywhere while at the same time jaunty enough to keep one's attention. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan