Won't You Let Me Love You

Won't You Let Me Love You

There are two ways to reflect upon the passing of loved ones. We can either go deep into melancholy over the death, or reach back and celebrate the joys of the lives just ended. Two of saxman Walter Beasley's grandparents died while this album was being recorded, and Beasley thankfully chooses the wistful, optimistic route. While positive grooves abound, he's clearly got the past on his mind; "Babygirl" launches the disc with a dreamy, sensuous alto melody winding its way over a subtle retro-soul groove and the hypnotic wah-wah click of Jeff Lockhart. No doubt recalling a sweet moment in his younger years, Beasley presents a cover of the Stylistics' gentle "Sideshow" with a soprano line that pushes the boundaries of the familiar melody; he then breaks for a completely unique improvisation, as if reflecting on his youthful memory of the song while adding adult experience into the mix. With down-home acoustic guitar harmony by Kevin Barry, "Theresa" artfully blends a folk influence with straightforward rhythm and jazz, with more than a wink to Bob James's famous <I>Taxi</I> theme keeping the retro flavors going. A title like "Sleep Tight" might make us think sad thoughts, but Beasley actually soars his highest and comes up with his most playful improvisations here. He graces the title track--an important tune in his upbringing on the sax--with a nice enough vocal, but he uses the romance in his voice to greater effect on a thoughtful cover of Stevie Wonder's "Visions." The classic lyrics, optimistic in the face of harsh realities, float gently along a moody atmosphere before giving way to a reverberating guitar solo by Jeff Lockhart. <I>--Jonathan Widran</I>