Coast to Coast

Once upon a time, jazz players like saxophonist Red Holloway went out of fashion whenever their style of choice — bop, soul jazz — made way for the latest trend. Luckily since the 1980s, a plethora of styles co-exist, each with its own labels and venues. Coast to Coast was recorded on Milestone and finds the seasoned saxophonist in exuberant form. It doesn't hurt that he's joined by tenor Frank Wess, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, drummer Paul Humphrey, and guitarist Melvin Sparks. The quintet wasted little time in the studio, laying down eight soulful tracks over a two-day period in February 2003. There's an easy give and take between the players, leading to lively exchanges and stirring solo work. Both Smith and Sparks give Gene Gray's "Good to Go" the feel of classic soul jazz, while Holloway's smooth lead adds icing to this musical cake. The motto for this whole affair would probably be the opener, a Holloway original titled "Still Groovin'." Holloway jumps out of the gate with a high-flying solo as if to show that as far as his chops are concerned, not much has changed. Unfortunately, there is only one of his trademark blues vocals, "Million Dollar Secret," a song that advises young girls on what type of man to choose. Holloway fans and anyone who enjoys good soul jazz will want to pick up a copy of Coast to Coast. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., Rovi