Spirits in the Field CD

From the mid-1970s to the early '80s, Arthur Blythe's alto saxophone was one of the most compelling sounds in jazz. His fat, keening, emotionally charged tone was instantly recognizable, and he crafted an intriguing series of recordings for India Navigation and, later, Columbia Records (check out the bustling Lenox Avenue Breakdown for a sample of Blythe in '79). At the core of Blythe's approach was his ability to craft an orchestral sound out of a spare tuba-and-drum rhythm-section accompaniment, as on his 1977 debut Bush Baby. After a stint with the World Saxophone Quartet, recording opportunities were few for Blythe during the '90s. Spirits in the Field, then, is a welcome addition to Blythe's catalog and a prophetic title given the spiritual zeal and bent of his alto sax. Spirits offers Blythe's updated tuba-drums-sax commentary on eight tried-and-true compositions, all of which have been part of his book for years (including Don Pullen's "Ah George, We Hardly Knew You"). The uncanny sense of interplay and rhythm he's established with resourceful tuba player Bob Stewart through the years has broadened and is the central charm of this album. Rounding out the trio is the always soulful and swinging drummer Cecil Brooks III. One hopes Blythe is afforded an opportunity to lay down some real news in the studio next time out. His remains a singular voice. --Willard Jenkins