Blue Mitchell - The Last Tango=Blues

Japanese reissue

The Last Tango = Blues translates the direct, soulful hard bop approach of Blue Mitchell's cult-classic Blue Note sessions into the funk-inspired grammar of mid-Seventies mainstream jazz. Teamed with guitarist David T. Walker, bassist Chuck Rainey, organist Charles Kynard and drummer Paul Humphrey, Mitchell concentrates on straightforward but imaginative readings of contemporary pop hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and Cymande's "The Message"--Richard Fritz's vibrant arrangements further underscore the album's connection to radio and even blaxploitation soundtracks, but the performances are strictly next-level, complete with some of Mitchell's most fiery trumpet. 

by Jason Ankeny