Arthur Blythe - Basic Blythe (2017)

Altoist Arthur Blythe's final Columbia album is a varied set that includes the two-part "Autumn In New York," Thelonious Monk's "Ruby My Dear," John Hicks' "Heart To Heart" and three Blythe originals including a remake of "Lennox Avenue Breakdown." Blythe's quartet (with pianist John Hicks, bassist Anthony Cox and drummer Bobby Battle) is excellent although the use of eight strings does not add much to the music and is sometimes a bit distracting. However the altoist's playing makes the project (not yet reissued on CD) quite worthwhile. ~ Scott Yanow