It’s important to remember that the word “record” album is just that-an actual record of where the artist is at that specific moment of time, be it musically, socially or spiritually. Tenor saxist Wayne Escoffrey, one of the most important players these days, put together a viscerally emotive collection of tunes that reflect a point in his life where he was going through a series of personal crises. The emotion of rejection is palpably felt here through his horn, teamed with the simpatico Gerald Clayton/p, Ron Carter/b and Carl Allen/dr
Escoffrey’s tenor is warm and breathy in the Dexter Gordon fashion here, surrounded by beauty on “Moments with You” and floating with a sigh on the graceful title tune. Carter is a presence here, giving tasty little currents and responses to the leader’s blue cries on “Rapture”. Clayton, likewise gifts gentle flavors to the desultory subtones of “The Shadow Of Your Smile” and allows the leader to brood with a wide vibrato on “Since I Fell For You”. Escoffrey gives laconic pleading to “Blues For D.P.” and gives the roar of a lion as the gray fog rolls in on “Stella By Starlight”. This album makes Billie Holiday’s Lady In Satin seem glib.