Search - Sadao Watanabe, Bernard Wright :: Go Straight Ahead'n Make a Left

A Sadao Watanabe experiment.

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 12/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not the usual Watanabe package at all. Firstly he recorded the album in NYC with a band of friends from Jamaica and Queens with whom he'd previously jammed on tour. Secondly he gives label credit to pianist/co-producer Bernard Wright.When the groove hits, the album is Watanabe at his best. Rather suprisingly it's the more up tempo tracks "Maji"( great percussion from Steve Thornton) and "Swing me a strider" that work best. Although melodically the slow tracks are good, the rhythm section seems more restrained, as if they are more comfortable at a greater tempo.Bernard Wright plays with great feeling throughout.It's an interesting album that would have benefitted from just one or two faster tracks to further stretch Watanabe's playing and allow the band a little more propulsion."

Go Ahead 'N Make a Left

Dr.D.Treharne | 05/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan and purchased several albums of both Sadao
Watanabe and Bernard Wright going back to the late seventies.
This CD collaboration of theirs is the most enjoyable work of
theirs I have, individually and/or collectively. I'm very happy
with the quality and performance. I hope they choose to work
together again in the future!"