Arthur Blythe & David Eyges, Today's Blues, CIMP 159.

Today's Blues is both a stunning reminder of where we once were, and of where we've been since. The power and artistry of Arthur blythe's alto saxophone, once a calling card of "cutting edge" Jazz, is warmly cast here in a setting that recalls the striking empathy he once shared with cellist Abdul Wadud. The almost two decade-old move towards the so-called "Tradition" - such a specious label, as it's all part of the continuum- makes this session sound quite approachable. Yet, it coultn't exist without both players' backgrounds in the "avant-garde."

Wadud gets the nod only as a reference point; Eyges long ago established his originality on his instrument, which is rendered in vivid detail. this provides a solid bed for his interaction with, and support to, the altoist, who sounds here like an old master. The joyousness that has always been a part of blythe's playing is heard here in abundance, and this is simply one of his best albums ever. Isolating individual tracks for comment is simply unnecessary - it's all of a piece, and it's all marvelous. Highly recommended.