Drummer
Matt Wilson teams up with three rather distinctive voices (tenor saxophonist
Dewey Redman, bassist
Cecil McBee, and, on three numbers, organist
Larry Goldings) for a very interesting set of music that combines together folk melodies, avant-garde improvising, and a surprising amount of lyricism. As well as
Wilson and
McBee play,
Redman is the runaway star. Whether stretching out on "Body and Soul" and "I Remember Lona" (the latter is based on "I Remember You") or giving a great deal of feeling to the traditional "Sweet Betsy From Pike" and a tribute to
Don Cherry, the underrated tenor is heard in top form. The leader's three short, unaccompanied features; Golding's welcome appearances (pity that he is not on the whole record); and a piece featuring the musicians' voices add to the date's variety. This consistently surprising session is a gem that serves as a perfect introduction to the playing of
Dewey Redman and the inventiveness of
Matt Wilson. ~ Scott Yanow