Album Notes

You don't have to travel to New York City to hear high octane hard bop, gripplingly lyrical balladry and challenging original compositions that really swing.

Just check out ace saxophonist and composer Whitman's seasoned sextet, which can be rip-roaring one moment, intoxicatingly romantic the next.

"Departure Point" includes great performances from spit fire trumpeter Steve Kenny, hard hitting pianist Bobby Peterson, commanding California bass transplant Terry Burns, agile trombonist Jeff Rinear, and the Twin Cities most versatile and reliable drummer, Phil Hey.

"It could Happen to You" is a show case for Peterson's two fisted scintillating piano.

"The Mighty" offers soul jazz at its groovy best.

"Dr No-Know" and "No Regrets for My Youth" have the non stop drive and intensity one would expect from an Art Blakey session.

Best of all are three new ballads: "Me Me's Love Song", "Reiko" and "Gail Ellen".

Each is luminous, gorgeous and compelling at first listen.

(review by Tom Surowicz Minneapolis Star Tribune Sunday, May 17, 1998)