Paul Carr: Straight Ahead Soul

If saxophonist Paul Carr could be described in a single word, it would be durable. Carr's two previous recordings—Just Noodlin' (PCJE, 2008) and Musically Yours (PCJE, 2006)—displayed a dependable adherence to the Ray Charles' principles of rhythm and blues. His tone and attack are made of the same precious metal as that of Hank Crawford and David "Fathead" Newman. On Straight Ahead Soul, Carr does his part to move adult contemporary jazz toward respectability with the fussy and hard-to-please traditionalist.

"Sideyard Tracks" is a bright example of contemporary crossed with hard bop and soul. Guitarist Bobby Broom is perfectly matched with Carr, his fat, round notes dissolving into Carr's tenor on the head and coda. Pianist Allyn Johnson has a Gene Harris-like sensibility and grasp of the blues. Snap-bright and swinging, Carr adds just enough funk for credibility, producing a song easily accessible and readily listenable.