Stanley Turrentine - That's Where It's At

2019 Japanese reissue

For listeners who like their blowin' bluesy and full of soul, this album is indeed where it's at. Featured in a quartet that also includes Les McCann on piano, Herbie Lewis on bass and Otis Finch on drums, Turrentine's brawny sax is front and center for most of this set, be it on a fast paced rave-up like the opener "Smile, Stacy" or a more loping number such as the aptly titled "Soft Pedal Blues".

That's not to say that the supporting players don't make an impact, too, as McCann's nimble soloing propels most of "Pia", and the rhythm section of Lewis and Finch keep the slinky grooves pulsing throughout no matter what the pace. For me, the real standout tracks are the final two, the ballad "Dorene Don't Cry, I", which contrasts Turrentine's long, plaintive wails against a backdrop of McCann's short, twinkling chords and spare solos to beautiful effect, and the closer "Light Blue", with its bouncy, Pink Panther-esque groove, memorable sax lines, and a brief but resonant solo by Lewis.

AMG review