This early
Courtney Pine recording (the tenor saxophonist was 22 at the time) features some of the most promising black English jazz musicians of the time, including
Pine (who also plays some bass clarinet and soprano), singer
Cleveland Watkiss (who often is reminiscent of
Bobby McFerrin), vibraphonist Orphy Robinson, and pianist Julian Joseph. While most of these players have not yet lived up to their potential (
Pine remains an expert
Coltrane imitator), this disc has its share of strong music. The emphasis is on
Courtney Pine's originals which cover a wide span of emotions and grooves. ~ Scott Yanow