The second recording by
Charlie Haden's Quartet West is similar to the music that the group (bassist
Haden, tenor saxophonist
Ernie Watts, pianist
Alan Broadbent, and drummer
Larance Marable) would play for the next decade. Among the highlights of this well-rounded set (one of the band's most definitive releases) is "First Song" (
Haden's most memorable composition),
Miles Davis' "Blue in Green," and a lengthy exploration of
Ornette Coleman's "Lonely Woman." An excellent showcase for
Haden in a straight-ahead setting and for
Watts, whose passionate sound perfectly fits the band. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow