Steve Turre shows his hard bopping heart here with a session that includes kindred spiritis Bruce Williams/as-ss, Xavier Davis/p, Gerald Cannon/b and Willie Jones III/dr. The rhythm team flexes its muscles throughout with a nice heavy cruise on “Bu” and a snapping back beat on “Funky Thing” which as Davis wearing out the ivories. Turre’s horn glistens with warmth all throughout, getting earthy along with Chemb Corniel/s congas on “Nagadef” as well as floating softly like cirrus clouds on “S’Wonderful.” Williams’ alto is rich and pungent, delivering an extra sway to “Trayvon’s Blues” and gliding like a p aper airplane on the charging “With A Song In My Heart.“ Turre does some amazing things with his shell on the mystical intro to “Spiritman,” sequeing into a penetrating “All Blues” with Williams’ soprano making the album close on a visceral note. This guy still has the vision.
Smoke Sessions Records