Charles McPherson - Beautiful! + 1 Bonus Track

Beautiful! The only word to describe this sensational album. Alto saxophonist Charles McPherson plays romantic American love songs at all tempos. Pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Leroy Williams accompany beautifully. Charles McPherson focuses on beauty in a variety of moods, via seven classic popular songs. The results are, indeed, beautiful.

Schlitten had the happy idea of pairing Charles with revered bebop pianist Duke Jordan for this date. For 11 years until 1973 Jordan was jazz' invisible man: he made no records in that period. McPherson's tenth album under his own name, is the first to be entirely devoted to popular songs. These numbers are not staples in McPherson's repertoire but they are ideal vehicles for Charles' and Duke's variations. He was really grasped the rhythmic nuances inherent in Charlie Parker's phrasing and his sound is one of the most vital to be heard in some time. - Ira Glitter

Personnel: Charles McPherson (alto saxophone), Duke Jordan (piano), Sam Jones (bass), Leroy Williams (drums)

Recorded and mixed by Paul Goodman at RCA Studios, New York City, August 12, 1975.