Blue Mitchell - Stratosonic Nuances (1975)

Review by Scott Yanow

Considering that this record features trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Harold Land and (in guest spots) pianists Cedar Walton and Hampton Hawes, one might have expected great things. Unfortunately, the music is quite commercial (obviously recorded with potential record sales in mind) and is sunk by dull and instantly dated arrangements by Wade Marcus (who uses a five-piece horn section). Other than Thelonious Monk's "Nutty" (the only cut not arranged by Marcus), the music -- which includes songs by Barry White and Stevie Wonder in addition to two Mitchell arrangements -- is immediately forgettable.

Line-up/Musicians
Bass – Tony Newton
Clavinet – Clarence McDonald (tracks: A1, B2)
Drums – James Gadson
French Horn – Gale Robinson
Guitar – David T. Walker, Michael Anthony
Percussion – Gary Coleman
Piano [Solo] – Cedar Walton (tracks: A1)
Piano [Solos] – Hampton Hawes (tracks: B2, B3)
Piano, Synthesizer [Solos] – Cedar Walton (tracks: B1)
Saxophone [Baritone] – Terry Harrington
Saxophone [Tenor] – Harold Land
Saxophone [Tenor], Flute – Ralph Jones
Synthesizer, Piano [Solo] – Clarence McDonald (tracks: A2)
Trombone – George Bohanon
Trumpet – Oscar Brashear
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Blue Mitchell

Tracklist:
1-1 Blue Mitchell - Satin Soul [7:27]
1-2 Blue Mitchell - Creepin' [12:08]
1-3 Blue Mitchell - Bump It [4:57]
1-4 Blue Mitchell - Nutty [9:02]
1-5 Blue Mitchell - Melody For Thelma [6:59]