John Hicks' sudden death in the spring of 2006 was a shock to the jazz world. This tribute CD salutes his work as a composer, pianist, and arranger, with the capable Larry Willis (an old friend) filling the piano chair, plus Hicks' widow, Elise Wood-Hicks, on flute; saxophonist
Craig Handy; trumpeter Eddie Henderson; bassist
Curtis Lundy; and drummer
Steve Williams. The band opens with a breezy take of "Mind Wine," then moves on to the intricate "After the Morning," which features a captivating blend of flute and soprano sax. "Blues in the Pocket" is an upbeat hard bop vehicle that swings like mad, while the lush ballad "Heart to Heart" features Henderson's lyrical muted trumpet. "Naima's Love Song" is one of Hicks' best-known tunes, and Willis delivers the goods with his outstanding playing. Finally,
Duke Ellington's "Single Petal of a Rose" is a heartfelt duet by Willis and Wood-Hicks to close the session.
