Tenor saxist Joshua Redman takes on a couple new directions on this latest release. First, he’s on Blue Note records after spending most of his career on either Warner Brothers or Nonesuch. A new label brings forth fresh ideas as well, as Redman for the first time brings in a vocalist, the honey toned Gabrielle Cavasse, as well as guests Kurt Rosenwinkel/g, Peter Bernstein/g, Nicholas Payton/tp and Joel Ross/vibe to make guest appearances with his working team of Aaron Parks/p, Joe Sanders/b and Brian Blade/dr.
Cavassa is a treat throughout, and she is able to adapt to the various moods as well, getting hip with Redman and Ross on “Chicago Blues” expressive with Payton during “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans” and penetrating alongside Rosenwinkel for “Streets of Philadelphia”. She’s cozy with Redman on a back porch duet of “Stars Fell On Alabama” before the leader punches his Coltrane card for a clarion call of “Alabama” There’s a lovely swoon to “My Heart in San Francisco” and a folksy comfort to “Where Are You” that oozes with casual ease. As always, Redman blows rich grey smoke rings, and sounds inspired with the new environs. Who’s going to be touring with him?