Spike Robinson

SPIKE ROBINSON WITH ELAINE DELMAR - IN TOWN (1986)

1.Too Close For Comfort
2.You've Changed
3.Just One of Those Things
4.In a Sentimental Mood
5.'S Wonderful
6.Get Out of Town
7.Little Girl Blue
8.Everything I Love
9.Young and Foolish
10.Will You Still Be Mine

Spike Robinson, though U.S. born, has made the British Isles his home and does most of his recording there. In Town is one of several records he has made for the Scottish company, Hep. Computer engineer +cum+ tenor sax man, Robinson displays agility and virtuosity with his alto-like tenor sax, as he runs through this album of well-known standards with facility and ease. He's joined on four of the cuts by vocalist Elaine Delmar. She and pianist Brian Lemon together weave a very enjoyable version of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood." Robinson has inherited the style and mannerisms of the great romantic tenors, like Zoot Sims and Stan Getz. You also hear the later day Ben Webster breathy whispering on "You've Changed." But Robinson has assimilated these influences into a style which is uniquely his. Listen to him explore all the nuances and emotions of the melancholy ballad "Little Girl Blue" and swing intelligently on "Everything I Love." "Little Girl Blue" also is a forum for a lengthy solo by Brain Lemon's understated piano. In Town is an album of well-known melodies as interpreted by a contemporary master of the tenor sax. ~ Dave Nathan