Tenor saxophonist
Spike Robinson has been quite consistent throughout his career. Influenced by
Stan Getz and
Zoot Sims,
Robinson is virtually the last of the "Four Brothers" tenor stylists. For his typically joyful and swinging session, the veteran tenor is accompanied by guitarist
Louis Stewart (who contributes a complementary second solo voice), bassist
Red Mitchell and drummer Martin Drew. Although all nine songs are standards, most are not played all that often, and the treatments are fresh and enthusiastic. Highlights include "This Love of Mine," "I Remember You," a lengthy version of "Nearness of You," and "Breezin' Along With the Breeze." Well worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow