Straight Ahead
is one of
Abbey Lincoln
's greatest recordings. It is a testament to the credibility of her very honest music (and her talents) that
Lincoln
's sidemen on this date include the immortal tenor saxophonist
Coleman Hawkins
(who takes a memorable solo on
"Blue Monk"
),
Eric Dolphy
on flute and alto, trumpeter
Booker Little
(whose melancholy tone is very important in the ensembles), pianist
Mal Waldron
, and drummer
Max Roach
. Highpoints include
"When Malindy Sings,"
"Blue Monk,"
Billie Holiday
's
"Left Alone,"
and
"African Lady."
~ Scott Yanow