Arthur Blythe - Blythe Spirit (1981) [24bit FLAC]

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
This is one of the most well-rounded Arthur Blythe records from his Columbia period. The distinctive altoist performs three passionate originals and an unlikely version of "Strike Up The Band" with a quintet also including cellist Abdul Wadud, guitarist Kelvyn Bell, Bob Stewart on tuba and drummer Bobby Battle. In addition he is featured on "Misty" with a more conventional trio (pianist John Hicks, bassist Fred Hopkins and drummer Steve McCall), plays his "Spirits In The Field" with Wadud and Stewart, and is quite effective on a reverent but swinging rendition of "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" with Stewart and organist Amina Claudine Myers. One of many Columbia LP's long overdue to be reissued on CD, this is a fairly definitive Arthur Blythe recording, showing off his links to hard bop, r&b and the avant-garde.

Arthur Blythe - alto saxophone
Abdul Wadud - cello (tracks 1-4, 6)
Kelvyn Bell - guitar (tracks 1-4)
Bob Stewart - tuba (tracks 1-4, 6 -7)
John Hicks - piano (track 5)
Amina Claudine Myers - organ (track 7)
Fred Hopkins - bass (track 5)
Bobby Battle (tracks 1-4), Steve McCall (track 5) - drums