Playin' for Keeps draws on inspirations spanning from Tin Pan Alley to bossa nova to the British Invasion to forge a soul-jazz groove with its own distinct sensibility. Though rooted in bop, Bunky Green embraces both pop and avant-garde idioms as well, channeling his myriad influences to create a soulful and lithe sound with an impressive command of space and time. Bassist Cleveland Eaton, pianist Willie Pickens, and drummer Harold Jones are all in fine form throughout, clearly relishing the indelible melodies of selections like "The Shadow of Your Smile" and "Yesterday." Green's edgy, forceful alto is nevertheless the focal point, navigating the material with skill and finesse. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1 On Green Dolphin Street 5:21
2 My Ship 4:03
3 Yesterday 3:39
4 Playin' For Keeps 4:17
5 What I Can Do 5:43
6 Mi Compasion 4:09
7 My Man's Gone Now 3:51
8 Brazilano 5:29
9 Step High 5:31
10 Tamra 4:17
11 Silver Dollar 3:39
12 When The Sun Comes Out 4:31
13 Testifyin' Time 3:37
14 Tweedlee Dee 4:21
15 Orbit Six 3:27
16 The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme From "The Sandpiper") 3:25
17 Mama Looka Boo Boo 4:32
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Bunky Green
Bass – Cleveland Eaton (tracks: 1-8, 10-17), Larry Ridley (tracks: 9)
Congas – Eli Gutierrez (tracks: 16-17)
Drums – Harold Jones (tracks: 3-8), Jimmy Cobb (tracks: 9), Marshall Thompson (tracks: 1-2, 10-17)
Piano – Billy Wallace (tracks: 1-2, 10-15), Charles Stepney (tracks: 16-17), Willie Pickens (tracks: 3-8), Wynton Kelly (tracks: 9)
Saxophone – Kenny Soderblom (tracks: 16-17)
Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – James Meyer (tracks: 10-15)
Trombone – John Avant (tracks: 16-17)
Trumpet – Paul Serrano (tracks: 16-17), Walter Strickland (tracks: 10-15), Warren Kime (tracks: 16-17)
