This is a record that all lovers of bebop have to get. Tenor saxophonist
Bruce Eskovitz has a fat tone and a hard-driving style that is most reminiscent of
Don Menza and
Lew Tabackin, making him a perfect person to record a tribute to
Sonny Rollins. If he sounded exactly like
Newk this set would not be all that effective, since there is no reason to hear an imitation when the original is also quite prominent on record. But by paying homage to
Rollins without directly copying him,
Eskovitz has put together a very enjoyable set. With the exception of "Poor Butterfly" and "Count Your Blessings," all ten numbers are
Rollins compositions.
Eskovitz is greatly assisted by pianist
Bill Mays, vibraphonist
Charlie Shoemake, bassist
Ray Drummond, and drummer
Larance Marable on such numbers as "No Moe," "Airegin," "Valse Hot," "Strode Rode," and "Pent-Up House." As intense as some of the jam session-style performances are, it is the final number that is the most passionate, for "Tenor Madness" is a ten-minute blowout with guest
Ernie Watts challenging (but not overwhelming)
Eskovitz. Highly recommended.