Bennie Wallace (1998)

About this title: For this mostly relaxed date, tenor saxophonist Bennie Wallace (who plays pretty melodically throughout much of the session) is teamed with veteran pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Alvin Queen. Wallace does his best to temper some of his wilder interval jumps but it is such an integral part of his style that he does let loose in spots. The rhythm section is tight and tasteful and the quartet explores seven standards, plus an original apiece by Wallace ("Little Surprises") and Flanagan ("Beyond the Bluebird"). Other highlights include Duke Ellington's rarely played ... read more

Tracks:

1. Beyond the Bluebird [Flanagan]
2. Serenade to Sweden [Ellington]
3. Little Suprises [Wallace]
4. Moon Song [Coslow/Johnston]
5. Over the Rainbow [Arlen/Harburg]
6. So in Love [Porter]
7. Prelude to a Kiss [Ellington/Gordon/Mi]
8. U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group) [Strayhorn]
9. Chelsea Bridge [Strayhorn]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.