Go Straight Ahead 'N Make A Left actually sounds like its title --
Watanabe takes straight-ahead bebop around a left corner, courtesy of funky rhythm arrangements piloted by his longtime keyboardist,
Bernard Wright. Together, they illustrate that there are still some new variations on the saxophonist's modern-day
Charlie Parker-styled bop improvisations. Occasionally, the music dips into dangerously smooth territory, but
Watanabe's strong playing keeps things on course and makes the record a pleasurable listen. (
Watanabe is supported by
Wright, bassist Stephen Teele, percussionist
Steve Thornton and drummers
Mike Flythe, Hassan Flythe and
Charley Drayton on
Go Straight Ahead.) ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine