Beautiful
by Scott Yanow Xanadu was a perfect label for altoist Charles McPherson since he was always a bop-based improviser who was perfectly at home jamming straightahead standards. This CD reissue features the talented altoist (who is joined by pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Leroy Williams) infusing beauty and boppish ideas into such songs as "They Say It's Wonderful," "It Could Happen to You" and "This Can't Be Love." A previously unreleased trio rendition of "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" (recorded while the musicians were waiting for McPherson to show up) has been added to the CD. Recommended.