Meets Mr. T. (with Stanley Turrentine)

The second of three recordings by the trio Three of a Kind for Minor Music adds Stanley Turrentine as a special guest. The veteran tenor saxophonist seems stimulated by the young rhythm section, grooving to Dwayne Dolphin's walking bass introduction to "On the Trail." Their interpretation of Duke Ellington's "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" is drenched in the blues, while "You and the Night and the Music" is far more deliberate and subtle than typical performances in a jazz setting, emphasizing its lyrical beauty. Pianist Peter Madsen penned three originals, including the rather funky "Backporch Overlooking Heaven" and the slightly dissonant Thelonious Monk-inspired "Monkey See Monkey Do," as well as the upbeat but somewhat dark bossa nova "What's Left for the Children." Drummer Bruce Cox provides strong support throughout the date. This successful studio session is well worth acquiring, though it is out of print.