Nat Simpkins is a tenor saxophonist heavily influenced by the sound of
Stanley Turrentine; he even sounds like Mr. T. on a number called "Arnett Is Comin' to Town" (for
Arnett Cobb). Joined by guitarist Eric Johnson, organist Dave Braham, drummer
Cecil Brooks III and Ralph Dorsey on conga,
Simpkins (who had previously led two record dates for Muse) is heard throughout in excellent form. The repertoire consists of eight of his originals (they cover a wide area from "Rib Joint" and "Slo Movin Freight" to "Calypso Gal" and "Gospel Truth"), plus the standard "Autumn in New York." The music is very much in the soul-jazz/hard bop tradition and is both accessible and full of subtle surprises. Recommended and well worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow