Jimmy Heath | New Picture

New Picture Review

 

by Scott Yanow

Ten years after his most recent set as a leader, Jimmy Heath (heard here on tenor and soprano) finally had another opportunity to lead an album of his own. This date, reissued on CD, finds Heath playing in a largely unchanged style from his earlier days, although some of his freer flights hint slightly at the avant-garde. With strong support given by pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Tony Purrone (an alumnus of the Heath Brothers), bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Al Foster, Heath performs four originals, "Lush Life," and Charlie Parker's "Dewey Square," and "Sophisticated Lady." Three numbers add two French horns, a trombone and a tuba to the ensembles for color; Heath provided the arrangements. A tasteful and swinging effort.

Recorded June 18 & 20, 1985

Jimmy Heath | New Picture

A1 New Picture 00:00 A2 Lush Life 05:01 A3 Changes 13:06 B1 Keep Love Alive 19:10 B2 Dewey Square 24:30 B3 Sophisticated Lady 28:35 B4 Togetherness 35:19 Jimmy Heath - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone John Clark, Bobby Routch - French horn Benny Powell - trombone Howard Johnson - tuba Tony Purrone - guitar

Tommy Flanagan - Rhodes piano Rufus Reid - bass Al Foster - drums