A proficient saxophonist with a knack for writing catchy tunes (such as his “Burgoyne Dr”), Melvin Smith reveals deep gospel roots in his modernist takes on the traditional hymns “I Surrender All” and “Amazing Grace” and his buoyantly swinging “The Joy of the Lord.” He also delivers faithful renditions of Bobby Watson’s “In Case You Missed It” and Cedar Walton’s “Firm Roots,” and turns in an affecting duet with pianist Hubert Eaves III on Horace Silver’s haunting ballad “Peace.”
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