Chico Freeman - Spirit Sensitive 1979

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 withMcBee), Horace Silver's "Peace," "It Never Entered My Mind" and the bassist's "Close to You Alone." AMG.

listen here