Stanley Turrentine, the legendary saxophonist, delivers a soulful and invigorating journey through the realms of hard bop, jazz, and soul jazz with his 1985 album "Straight Ahead." Released under the CM Blue Note label, this six-track masterpiece clocks in at a concise 39 minutes, offering a potent blend of Turrentine's signature sound and timeless compositions.
The album opens with "Plum," setting the tone with a cool jazz vibe that smoothly transitions into the uplifting "A Child Is Born." Turrentine's mastery of the saxophone shines through in tracks like "Other Side of Time" and the title track "Straight Ahead," where his bebop influences come to the forefront. The album's standout, "The Longer You Wait," showcases Turrentine's ability to infuse soulful depth into his music, while the final track, "Ah Rio," brings a lively and rhythmic close to the album.
"Straight Ahead" is a testament to Stanley Turrentine's enduring talent and his significant contributions to the jazz genre. The album's dynamic range, from cool and mellow to energetic and soulful, makes it a captivating listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to Turrentine's work. This classic release is a must-add to any jazz enthusiast's collection.
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