After dropping the synthesizers and reformatting his group Horizon in 1990, alto saxophonist
Bobby Watson recorded one of the most memorable CDs of his career. His opener "The Punjab of Java Po'" is a powerful hard bop number with elements of East Indian and Brazilian influences, while its catchy bass vamp supports strong solos by pianist Ed Simon, trumpeter
Melton Mustafa, and the leader. Drummer
Victor Lewis proves to be as gifted a composer as
Watson. He wrote two vehicles for
Watson's soprano sax: "Big Girls" and the tense uptempo "7th Avenue." The arrangement of standards such as "Falling in Love With Love" and "In a Sentimental Mood" are also worth noting. A very commendable, but now out-of-print release. ~ Ken Dryden