BLUE AND SENTIMENTAL

Personnel: Ike Quebec (tenor saxophone, piano); Grant Green (guitar); Paul Chambers (bass); Philly Joe Jones (drums). Although not as well known as other big tenor men like John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, or Benny Golson, Ike Quebec was a major contributor to the classic era of jazz and this 1961 Blue Note date captures him in his prime. BLUE & SENTIMENTAL is indeed one of but a few discs that Quebec recorded for Blue Note, although he was involved with the legendary label as an A&R man and performed on many sessions by other artists. His huge, velvety tone and bluesy swagger are Quebec's signature as he lopes and swings through several classic tunes like Count Basie's lazy title track, the bouncing "That Old Black Magic," and Cole Porter's hauntingly melodic "It's Alright With Me." Filling out the quartet are no less than Grant Green, Paul Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones, Blue Note regulars all, who shine brightly as always. Other choice moments on this disc include Quebec and Green's tight interaction on Quebec's catchy "Minor Impulse," the smoky ballad "Don't Take Your Love From Me," and the easy-going closer "Count Every Star."