This double CD gives one a definitive look at how the much-acclaimed tenor saxophonist
Joshua Redman sounded in the mid-'90s. Joined by pianist
Peter Martin, bassist
Christopher Thomas, and drummer
Brian Blade,
Redman stretches from
Gene Ammons (who is saluted on "Jig-a-Jug") to late period
John Coltrane, showing off both his wide range and his lyricism.
Redman is heard at his best on the four-minute cadenza that opens "St. Thomas," digging into "My One and Only Love" and playing almost outside on "Lyric." Of the 14 songs, nine are his originals and, although
Redman was not at this point an innovator, he was well on his way to forming his own personal style. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow