This CD reissue of one of tenor-saxophonist
Zoot Sims's final recordings adds a version of "Emaline" to the original program. Pianist
Jimmy Rowles often co-stars on the date (with bassist
George Mraz and drummer
Akira Tana offering solid support). The lyrical repertoire emphasizes ballads and pretty melodies with the highpoints including such offbeat material as
Woody Guthrie's "So Long,"
Sims's "Brahms...I Think," "In the Middle of a Kiss" and the more familiar "Never Let Me Go" and "Suddenly It's Spring." The melodic performances are quite warm, romantic and enjoyable, fine examples of subtle creativity. ~ Scott Yanow