Fraser MacPherson Quartet - Honey And Spice (1987)

Although recorded in Montreal, Canada, this album features the same quartet (with guitarist Oliver Gannon, bassist Steve Wallace and drummer John Sumner) that tenor saxophonist Fraser MacPherson used during his notable tours of the Soviet Union. All eight of the selections are veteran songs (Cole Porter's mid-'50s "I Love You Samantha" is the most recent), and the emphasis is on relaxed, slow to medium tempos. MacPherson's cool tone sounds as beautiful as ever and works well with Gannon's quiet guitar. © Scott Yanow