The versatile alto and tenor saxophonist
Bill Easley (who on other projects also plays other reeds) is showcased in top form on this CD, performing on two dates with a pair of overlapping groups. Assisted along the way by trumpeter
Bill Mobley on five of the numbers, either
Sir Roland Hanna or
James Williams on piano, and
George Caldwell's synthesizer for four of the eight songs,
Easley is the main star throughout. He puts plenty of feeling into "It's All in the Game," takes "How Long Has This Been Going On" at a surprisingly fast pace, cooks on "Little Benny," and emulates
Sonny Stitt on "Blues for Stitt." Although he has spent much of his career in the background, uplifting other singers and musicians' sessions in addition to working in the studios,
Bill Easley shows on this set that he is fully capable of being the leader. This is one of his strongest efforts. ~ Scott Yanow