Multi-reed player
Mel Martin touches on many different styles in this studio date, joined by veterans like keyboardist
Don Friedman, bassist Rob Fisher, Latin percussionist John Santos, and others. Among the leader's originals, "Rhythm Man (Do Not Disturb" is a breezy Latin chart, while "Silly Hawk Walk" has a funky groove, both featuring electric keyboards backing his robust tenor sax.
Martin overdubs multiple flutes behind his soprano in spots during his tense "To Catey with Love." He switches to flute for an intricate setting of
George Russell's "Ezz-Thetic," an overlooked gem from the early 1960s that featured
Eric Dolphy on the composer's recording. The one live track is a haunting take of "Blue in Green" with the leader playing soprano sax complemented by guitarist
Barry Finnerty's spacious backing. While this CD resists easy classification, it is among the most compelling recordings that
Mel Martin has made during his entire career. ~ Ken Dryden