This little-known
Hank Crawford LP was a transitional record between his long associations with Kudu and Milestone. More straightahead than his Kudu dates, the program is highlighted by the
Harry "Sweets" Edison blues "Centerpiece," "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You" and
Slide Hampton's "Frame for the Blues." In addition to
Crawford (who splits his time between his soulful alto and a Fender Rhodes electric piano), guitarist
Calvin Newborne (the brother of pianist
Phineas) has plenty of solo space.
Crawford provided the arrangements for a five-piece horn section and the results are soulful and pleasing. ~ Scott Yanow