Bobby Watson - Quiet As It's Kept

Watson has progressed considerably since his days as a member of the Jazz Messengers, and some his finest work can be heard on the Italian label, Red Records. This one is a bit of a change of pace, as Watson wails above lush and soft landscapes, most of which were written by the saxophonist. Watson has developed a beautiful, full sound and a fluid style. The temperature picks up a bit when trumpeter Terell Stafford sits in for a few numbers. Curtis Lundy is a pleasure on bass, where he gently lays down plush lines, and pianist Orrin Evans complements them both. Watson's superb command of his horn raises this CD to more than a simple and sensuous sax session. Notes flow from the horn like bubbles from a blower. This recording should appeal to the crossover crowd and receive some deserved airplay. - AllMusic: Steve Loewy