Sure,
Robert Stewart's blowing is derivative. If you close your eyes, you might think that this loving and beautiful tribute to the music of
Nat "King" Cole is being performed by a quartet featuring
Ben Webster. That's how good
Stewart can be. The tenor saxophonist plays in a classy style, his big, round, woozy sound a joy for late-night listening. It is strange listening to these tunes how many of them seem familiar even though the melodies seem only vaguely recognizable.
Stewart appreciates the melodies, and respectfully follows a traditional path of head-solos-head in mining each of them. The results fully satisfy, as
Stewart's warm sound can be effortlessly cut with a butter knife. His tight rhythm section of pianist Ed Kelly, bassist Mark Williams, and drummer Sly Randolph is a perfect match, with the pianist, in particular, offering invigorating, swinging solos. (Kevin Stewart and
Robert Stewart III appear on piano and bass, respectfully, on a couple of tracks.) For those who enjoy that old-time religion,
Stewart is a perfect fit. ~ Steven Loewy