Walter Bishop Jr.

• 4 1/2 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

The keys are coral, and the sound is sublime – one of the greatest albums ever from pianist Walter Bishop Jr, and proof that he can really stretch out, given the right setting!

The piano here is all acoustic, but there's an almost-electric vibe to the date – long, open tracks that sway and swell with some great spiritual energy – made even more wonderful by work from reedman Harold Vick, who plays tenor, flute, and soprano sax on the record – and makes it one of his best recordings ever!

The reedwork alone is worth the price of admission – but the rhythms are also great too – a mix of soulful, modal, and some slight funky bits – handled by Reggie Johnson on bass, and either Idris Muhammad or Alan Benger on drums. Woody Shaw plays trumpet on some cuts, too.

PERSONNEL ON TRACKS [1-4]:

• Walter Bishop, Jr. - (piano)
• Idris Muhammad - (drums)
• Reggie Johnson - (bass)
• Harold Vic - (tenor sax)

PERSONNEL ON TRACKS [5-7]:

• Walter Bishop, Jr. - (piano)
• Alan Shwaetz Benger - (drums)
• Reggie Johnson - (bass)
• Harold Vic - (tenor sax)
• Wood Shaw (trumpet)

TRACKS:

• 01. Coral Keys
• 02. Waltz For Zweetie
• 03. Track Down
• 04. Soul Turn Around
• 05. Our November
• 06. Three Loves
• 07. Freedom Suite