Personnel: Kenny Garrett (vocals, alto saxophone, flute); Mulgrew Miller (piano); Charnett Moffett, Ron Carter (bass); Tony Reedus, Elvin Jones (drums); Tito Ocasio, Rudy Bird, Steve Thornton (percussion).
Recorded at RCA Studio, New York, New York.
Personnel: Kenny Garrett (vocals, flute, alto saxophone); Mulgrew Miller (piano); Elvin Jones, Tony Reedus (drums); Tito O'Casio, Steve Thornton, Rudy Bird (percussion).
Audio Mixers: Patrick Smith ; James Nichols.
Recording information: RCA Studio, NY.
Photographer: Frank Moscati.
Arrangers: Donald Brown ; Kenny Garrett.
Altoist Kenny Garrett, who was then a key member of Miles Davis' group, had one of his strongest early sets as a leader on this Atlantic disc. "Ja-Hed" features his post-bop improvising over the chord changes of "Impressions," the is both lighthearted and adventurous on "Mack the Knife" and the title cut has Garrett expertly building up an emotional solo from intense long tones to sound explorations and late period 'Trane screams. Throughout the CD, Kenny Garrett's alto is the main attraction but the strong rhythm section (comprised of pianist Mulgrew Miller, either Charnett Moffett or Ron Carter on bass, Tony Reedus or Elvin Jones on drums and occasional percussionists) should not be overlooked. Whether it be the modal tribute piece "Shaw," the rarely played Coltrane song "Straight Street" or the minor blues "Nostradamus," Kenny Garrett justifies the praise that he received from Miles Davis. ~ Scott Yanow
Professional Reviews
Q (3/91) - 4 Stars (out of 5) - "...one of the front-line of sharp younger players."
Down Beat (1/91) - 4.5 Stars (out of 5) - "There's not a cliche within earshot in Garrett's playing as he expressively sputters, screeches, wails, pouts, and squeaks unusual sax tones."
New York Times (Publisher) (11/4/90) - "...transcends homage through a ripe style that sings with gospel passion, even during the fastest scorchers; he wails with a guttural effusiveness that would scare the pants off his more restrained contemporaries..."
