Hubert Laws - The Chicago Theme (2013) [DSD64]

Hubert Laws made his finest recordings playing arrangements by Don Sebesky. Unfortunately, starting with this project, Bob James began to take over the writing chores, and the flutist's recordings became much more commercial. Rather than performing with a small group, as he did on his best sessions, Laws is joined by strings and funky rhythm sections playing now-dated commercial grooves. The six selections (which include James' forgettable "Chicago Theme," "Midnight at the Oasis" and Dvorak's "Going Home") are listenable, but nothing special. The only reason to acquire this out of print LP is for Laws' still-superb flute playing. [Chicago Theme was reissued on CD in 2000.] -- Scott Yanow