The Greatest Hits of Alphonso Johnson
J. Livermore | UK | 06/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you see my review of 'Moonshadows', most of the same words used there apply to this album as well. However, I personally think this is the stronger of the two, as it is a more diverse sounding album. The musicians are similar in make-up (one senses a studio double-booking here). Sheila E, before the Purple One made her a better offer, appears; Grover Washington adds his unique touch to 'Scapegoat'. Each track shows the sheer versatility of the musicians. There's the lilting almost-pop sounding 'Loves The Way I Feel Bout Cha', the strange (but not as much as 'Tales From Barcelona') 'Show Us The Way', strange only because it is sung by Jon Lucien, the man with the deepest voice in Jazz. With 'Balls To The Wall' it picks up the tempo, revs it at the lights and then takes Jazz Rock for a fast drive round the block. Soon its Prog-rock time with 'Flight To Hampstead Heath', though no wizards are summoned; Alphonso provides all the magic. The last track, though it has 'P. Rushen' as the last name in the writing credits, is 100% pure Miss Rushen. This track sounds as if the band got together on the last day and decided to have fun. Take part; I did."