An ideal take on My Ideal opens up this rather beautiful album with Smith's warm sound and Sanders' rich toned bass coupled with some unobtrusive drumming from Scott setting the scene.
Circus has Scott in a more prominent role. Pushing and driving Smith before taking his journey into the unknown. A drum roll brings in Light Blue which bears an uncanny likeness to I'm Getting Sentimental Over You. The combination of tenor, bass and drums is just so perfect that any other instrument would be superfluous - unless it was another saxophone...
...and on Casual - Lee that's just what we get with the first of two appearances by Branford Marsalis who has a lighter sound on (alto?) to Smith's booting tenor giving a nice contrast on a boppy theme. Ron Carter also jumps on board.
Lawns, deep and mellow, Sanders is back on bass and the feeling is one of total relaxation. I Should Care. Has Smith changed to alto? His sound is much lighter than previous. Whatever, it's a masterful display as is that of Carter. Keyboards? Who needs 'em?
Sanders' last showing and on Fall he stretches out over long drone-like notes from Smith with Scott meandering effectively in the background. Escapade has an extended sax solo that twists and tums in multiple directions like a winding country lane on a summer's day.
Isfahan. Strayhorn's classic tune for the Ellington band proves to be the perfect foil for Smith and Carter to build their long improvisations on.
Swingin' at the Haven. Branford returns for a rematch and, with Carter and Scott pushing them to the limit, the two finally go out with honours even.
Always good to know that Blue Note can still swing when it wants to. Lance
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