Alto saxophonist Oatts has an affinity for vigorous declarative phrases. His inflections and staccato tonguing on “Indigo Rays,” an “On Green Dolphin Street” variant, suggest Cannonball Adderley. Additional performances reveal other agreeable elements and emotions: harmonic acumen, sweetness, passion, et. al. With pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Dave Santoro, and drummer James Oblon supporting him, the alto man shows bebop resourcefulness in dealing with the modern originals on this album. A good one.
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