Seems Like Old Times

Lennie Niehaus Quintet

5***** by All Music Guide

Tracklisting:

1. Seems Like Old Times (C.Lombardo-J.J.Loeb) - 5:07
2. There Is No Greater Love (Isham Jones)- 5:15
3. Invitation (Bronislau Kaper)- 6:24
4. Christy's Dance (Lennie Nihaus)- 4:28
5. Fascinating Rhythm (G.& I.Gershwin)- 5:17
6. Yesterday's ardenias (Robertson-Cogani)- 6:48
7. Food For Thought (Lennie Niehaus)- 6:51
8. Betwixt And Between (lennie Niehaus)- 5:04
9. I´m Getting Sentimental Over You (G.Bassman-N.Washington)- 7:18
10.Back On Track (Lennie Niehaus)- 7:11
11.The Wind (Russ Freeman)- 4:01
12.Star Eyes (G.DePaul-D.Raye)- 6:10

Recorded at Fox Fire Studio, Van Nuys, California, December 13 & 14, 1997.


Review:
"Even back in the 1950s when he was most active as an alto saxophonist, Lennie Niehaus' writing abilities tended to take precedence over his playing. Niehaus did not play all that much (certainly not on records) from the early 1960s on, but in the mid- to late 1990s, he once again became a more active performer. His original style was quite intact, but he had also continued to evolve with time. Niehaus is heard on this enjoyable CD at the peak of his playing powers. For the set, Niehaus, veteran tenor saxophonist Bill Perkins (switching on a song apiece to baritone and bass clarinet), baritonist Jack Nimitz (on six of the dozen tunes), pianist Frank Strazzeri, bassist Tom Warrington and drummer Joe Labarbera perform four of the leader's originals and often-surprising renditions of eight standards. As outlined by Doug Ramsey in his fine liner notes, the two (or three) saxophonists often phrase together as one. Niehaus' own solos are friendly yet quite advanced, and his arrangements and frameworks tend to avoid predictability. Highlights include the title cut, "Invitation," "Yesterday's Gardenias" and "Star Eyes." Easily recommended."
— Scott Yanow (All Music Guide)