The Departure

by Scott YanowThis was tenor saxophonist David Sanchez's recording debut as a leader. At 25, Sanchez already had a fairly distinctive tone and the ability to mix bop with Latin jazz. Assisted on most selections by pianist Danilo Perez, either Peter Washington or Andy Gonzalez on bass and drummer Leon Parker (trumpeter Tom Harrell also has three appearances), Sanchez mostly performs new compositions written by either himself or Perez plus "Woodyn' You," "I'll Be Around" and Jimmy Heath's "CJ." A strong and well-rounded beginning to David Sanchez's solo career.