Andy Goodrich: Motherless Child

It is always gratifying to see unsung heroes persevere and finally get their turn at bat. Such is the case here with this semi-legendary Memphian, who has labored in the trenches of academia for nearly 50 years (mentor to Booker Little, Harold Mabern, Frank Strozier, Charles Lloyd, et al.) at levels from grade school to university. At long last Goodrich was afforded this opportunity, polished up his alto sax-though from the sounds of this disc either he was born to that ax or he has diligently kept the chops up-and hit the studio under the supervision of homeboy and dedicated Memphis flame keeper, pianist James Williams.