This is hardly tenor saxophonist
Grant Stewart's first recording as a leader, but his earlier CDs were for various European labels.
In the Still of the Night is the release that set his career afire, as he joins forces with three of New York's in-demand musicians in his rhythm section: the hard-driving pianist
Tardo Hammer, everyone's first call bassist Peter Washington and the talented drummer
Joe Farnsworth. Right of the box, the big-toned
Stewart makes his presence known with an up-tempo rendition of "In the Still of the Night" that makes one stand up and take notice.
Stewart and
Hammer dive head first into
Thelonious Monk's "Work" (not exactly one of the pianist's more frequently recorded numbers), with Washington and
Farnsworth fueling their spirited solos. But
Stewart is also no slouch playing ballads, as his dreamy take of "Autumn in New York" and haunting treatment of "Lush Life" display a profound lyricism.
Stewart's astute choice of
Richard Rodgers' "Loads of Love" uncovers another gem that is rarely recorded, his sizzling solo will invite comparisons to
Dexter Gordon. Even
Burt Bacharach's often blandly played "Wives & Lovers" is rejuvenated with
Stewart's lighthearted but aggressive interpretation. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden