James Clay, a thick-toned tenor saxophonist who knew
Ornette Coleman and
Don Cherry in the 1950s, recorded a bit near the end of the decade, spent ten years touring with
Ray Charles, and then in the late '60s moved back to his native Texas. He was not heard from for quite some time, until he worked a bit with
Don Cherry in 1988. In 1989 he led his first record date in 29 years and it is excellent, a fine straight-ahead quartet outing with pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
David Williams, and drummer
Billy Higgins. Although not flawless (there are occasional reed squeaks and a few brief wandering moments), this is one of
James Clay's finest recordings. He is well featured on ten jazz standards including "Things Ain't What They Used to Be," "Raincheck," "I Mean You," and "Trane's Blues." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow