Anton Schwartz used the blues as inspiration for nine compositions heard on this studio session, though many of them are not especially bluesy. With a band including a longtime
collaborator, guitarist
Peter Bernstein, plus rising star
Taylor Eigsti on piano, bassist John Shiflett and drummer Tim Bulkley, the tenor saxophonist kicks off the date with his percolating, funky "Phantom Dance," which rhythmically suggests the influence of
Eddie Harris. His engaging "Slightly Off Course" would have easily been a fit with
Art Blakey's repertoire, while
Schwartz speaks his mind with a hot tenor solo in "Marcel Marceau." The only standard is a thoughtful arrangement of
Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Wave." The band provides strong support throughout the date, with
Bernstein and
Eigsti adding potent solos as well. Beautifully recorded in 24-bit stereo, this CD is warmly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden