Reach Out

The opening selection on this CD ( ) is surprisingly commercial, with guitar in the lead, not sounding at all like a Blue Note record. A somewhat insipid version of "Goin' Out of My Head" is a disappointment too. The other four numbers (three of which are originals) on this 1997 reissue are on a higher level. The 21st of 23 Blue Note albums (not counting those only released thus far in Japan) features a promising group ( on tenor, trumpeter , guitarist , pianist , bassist and drummer ) performing the diverse repertoire. Thanks to the two duds, the overall results do not live up to their potential, although 24 minutes of this CD are worth hearing! ~ Scott Yanow