Description:

This set was a change-of-pace for Chico Freeman for it features the usually adventurous tenor (who doubles on soprano) mostly playing warm versions of standards. The CD reissue adds four previously unissued selections (including a pair of Coltrane tunes, “Lonnie’s Lament” and “Wise One”) to the original program. With pianist John Hicks, bassist Cecil McBee and either Billy Hart or Don Moye on drums offering fine support (vibraphonist Jay Hoggard sits in on “Carnival”), Freeman pushes at but does not break the boundaries of hard bop. Highlights include “Autumn in New York” (a duet with McBee), Horace Silver’s “Peace,” “It Never Entered My Mind” and the bassist’s “Close to You Alone.” ~ Scott Yanow Rovi

Tracklisting:

A1. Autumn In New York
A2. Peace
A3. A Child Is Born
B1. It Never Entered My Mind
B2. Close To You Alone
B3. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore