Episode One Children of Harlem

by Scott YanowAlthough the theme of this CD is ostensibly supposed to be nostalgia for Harlem, the music (which includes the "Amos N'Andy Theme") actually has little to do with the subject. However Bartz (who is heard on alto and soprano) is in fine form playing with a top-notch quartet that also includes pianist Larry Willis, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Ben Riley. The hard-bop oriented music includes a few standards (including "Tico Tico" and "Crazy She Calls me") and three originals by either Bartz or Willis. It's not essential but enjoyable.