1 – Highly enjoyable, especially enjoying the bass player and piano. ****
2 – Funkier than I’m used to from Dan! Electric sax(es) wear, as does wah-wah guitar Composition and arrangement don’t anything for me. Dave Sanborn? *
3 – Things ain’t what they used to be, indeed! Back on the enjoyable good foot. ***1/2
4 – All the things you are. I like the bass player, but the whole thing is pretty ragged, though still enjoyable ***1/2
5 – Who Can I Turn To. Nicely done all around, love the pianist’s work! Enjoyed the guitar. ****
6 – Things… again. Good blues playing, but I enjoyed the approach on the first version more. ***
7 – Killer! This is the one cut I need if I don’t already own it! I should be able to ID the song, but am going blank on the title. I bet the whole album is good. ****1/2
8 – Who Can I Turn To, in a comatose version. Not doing well with this cut and especially this tenor player, though it’s probably someone you love. Sorry. **
9 – All The Things You Are, slowed down and on clarinet. I like this tune fast, though I don’t hate on this the way I did the previous cut. But I also don’t need to hear it again. **1/2
10 – See comments to #2, although at least the sax isn’t electrified, and the conga solo is kind of cool. *1/2
No artist ID’s, a range of responses, and I look forward to the reveals on my favorite cuts (1,5,7 especially, but also 3,4), and I expect I have one or two of them on the shelves already.
Have a safe and prosperous 2026, my friend!