Arthur Blythe is one of those rare talents in jazz who has the uncanny ability to appeal to both mainstream and avant-garde tastes simultaneously. Even though his name is sometimes associated with the more 'out there' crowd, Arthur has much in common with the populist group of saxophonists such as Earl Bostic, Hank Crawford and Lou Donaldson. His latest outing on Savant highlights those similarities while also exhibiting Blythe's totally unique sound and individual approach. Of course, there are some Coltrante tunes, some standards and a few originals too. Through it all, Blythe's playing remains emotionally direct and ably supported by the monster piano chops of John Hicks. With bassist Dwayne Dolphin and drummer Cecil Brooks III providing the rhythmic thrust, this record, perhaps more than any previous one, will locate Arthur Blythe firmly in the epicenter of the jazz community.

Arthur Blythe- saxophone; John Hicks - piano; Dwayne Dolphin - bass; Cecil Brooks III - drums

Tracks: Hardly - Besamé Mucho - Blue Monk - Light Blue - And One - My Little Brown Book - Naima - Ruby My Dear - Blythe Byte - What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

 Besame Mucho

Blue Monk

My Little Brown Book