Arthur Blythe - Focus (2002) FLAC

Altoist Arthur Blythe has always loved to play in unusual instrumental settings. His soulful sound and adventurous style are quite flexible and they sound right at home in this set with Gust William Tsilis on bass marimba, Bob Stewart on tuba, and drummer Cecil Brooks III. The performances are lyrical and often melodic, but searching and unpredictable. Blythe contributed eight of the dozen songs (including "Opus 1," "My Son Ra," and "Bubbles") in addition to digging into "C.C. Rider," Thelonious Monk's obscure "Children's Song," "Stuffy Turkey," and "In a Sentimental Mood." In grooves ranging from New Orleans to R&B-ish, along with freer explorations, this is a continually colorful set of high-quality music. ~ Scott Yanow