Hank Crawford & Calvin Newborne - Centerpiece

This little-known Hank Crawford LP was a transitional record between his long associations with Kudu and Milestone. More straightahead than his Kudu dates, the program is highlighted by the Harry "Sweets" Edison blues "Centerpiece," "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You" and Slide Hampton's "Frame for the Blues."

In addition to Crawford (who splits his time between his soulful alto and a Fender Rhodes electric piano), guitarist Calvin Newborne (the brother of pianist Phineas) has plenty of solo space. Crawford provided the arrangements for a five-piece horn section and the results are soulful and pleasing.