Point of View

by Scott YanowCassandra Wilson's debut as a leader features the chance-taking singer in a funky M-Base setting. The overcrowded ensembles (played by altoist Steve Coleman, trombonist Grachan Moncur III, guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Mark Johnson) did not leave much space for a singer, but the flexible Wilson did her best to find a role for her voice, and she sounds enthusiastic. In addition to group originals, the sextet performs "Blue in Green" (which has Wilson's lyrics) and "I Wished on the Moon."