On a set of six straight-ahead originals and two standards, tenor saxophonist
Robert Stewart sounds remarkably laid-back and relaxed, particularly when one considers that this was his recording debut. Even on the up-tempo tunes,
Stewart is often content to emphasize his warm tone and hold long notes, taking his time to get his message across. Assisted by
Eric Reed (who on this CD often emulates
McCoy Tyner), bassist Mark Shelby, and drummer
Billy Higgins, this is a pleasing modern mainstream effort from the L.A.-based tenor. ~ Scott Yanow