Tenor-saxophonist
Robert Stewart's debut for Qwest is a bluish outing with a trio (organist
Larry Bradford, guitarist
Ralph Byrd and drummer
Ranzel Merrit). He plays some really lowdown tenor with plenty of tonal distortions, growls, honks and an occasional scream;
Stewart's well-titled "Get Out!" is a highpoint. The tenor's forceful solos (which generally avoid much doubletiming) are quite effective on such pieces as "Honky Tonk," "Green Onions," a medium-tempo "Misty" and some fairly basic originals.
Stewart has a few shouting vocals and there is plenty of space for solos from
Bradford and
Byrd but it the leader's tenor that is most memorable. Although in some ways a throwback to the organ groups of the 1960's, this groovin' effort also sounds very much up-to-date. A highly enjoyable and easily recommended set of accessible yet dynamic music.