Arthur Blythe: Lenox Avenue Breakdown

Alto saxophonist Arthur blythe occupies a unique place along the jazz continuum. Born in 1940, he's old enough to have been aware of Charlie Parker while Bird was still alive, but he's plenty young enough to have jumped on the Ornette/Trane bandwagon without blinking twice. His playing, therefore, bridges the gap between bop and the outside with both style conviction.

After coming up in L.A., where he gigged and recorded with Horce Tapscott, a 1973 move to New York found him branching out on his own. In more recent years, he's been thrown into the spotlight as a member of the World Saxophone Quartet and, prior to that, the all-star group the Leaders.

This septet-sized reissue from `79 is a particularly worthwhile outing, with passion, detail, and chops to spare. Freed by Columbia's budget to make every note count, Blythe wasted no time in recruiting a dream team of drummer Jack DeJohnette, tuba player Bob stewart, and bassist Cecil McBee on the bottom, joined by guitarist Blook Ulmer in the middle, and flutist (and fellow Angeleno) James Newton on top, plus percussionist Guillermo Franco to add an appropriately Spanish tinge now and again.

The album consists of four lengthy tunes that are tied together by their exuberant drive and joyful sensuality. Everyone contributes strong solo ideas, but the leader's distinctive instrumental voice - which combines the keening tonal attack of Jackie McLean with the red-dirt lyricism of Ornette Coleman, the spiritual ardor of the John Coltrane/Pharoah Sanders axis, and a hearty sense of humor - is the obvious center of attention.

With "odessa," a lovely, near-eastern flavored and Coleman-esque dirge as its most affecting tun, this set offers a melodious glimpse into what Coleman's `80's-era Prime time band might've sounded like with some of the excess funk removed.

If you know Arthur Blythe, you'll want to have "Breakdown" in your collection. If you haven't made his acquaintance, it's a fine place to start.

-David Prince