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Chronique

Bobby Watson leads a quartet in a 1984 concert in Germany on this CD, with pianist Jim McNeely, bassist Todd Coolman, and drummer Adam Nussbaum. The alto saxophonist's extended solo that opens "But Not for Me" is a bit unusual, as it is initially staccato before he gradually smooths out his sound to resemble his normal tone in a driving bop arrangement, though he can't resist playing a laugh like riff to tickle his audience. He also adds quite a few flourishes and sighs to the opening of Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight" before settling down. Conga player Birger Sulsbruck takes the place of Nussbaum for an unusual interpretation of Eubie Blake's "You're Lucky to Me." Watson, whose compositions emerged in the late '80s and the '90s, contributes two originals to this date. "Karita" is a laid-back bossa nova that became part of his regular repertoire with his later group Horizon, while his turbocharged "E.T.A." wraps the evening with a flourish. Watson's approach to the alto sax would grow a bit more melodic and less brash over the next few years, but this early effort as a leader is well worth purchasing, if it can be located.

© Ken Dryden /TiVo