first album was titled because the big-toned tenor saxophonist was 55 before given a chance to record as a leader. This fine release showed listeners outside of Chicago what Windy City residents had realized for many years -- that he was a passionate, richly expressive hard bopper who never failed to swing. Heartfelt performances of and "Serpent's Tooth" leave no doubt that is primary influence, but also demonstrate that he's very much his own man. , who tends to be more sentimental than , shows just how soulful a ballad player he can be on the time-honored standards "The Man I Love" and "Darn That Dream." enjoys a consistently strong rapport with his Chicago support, which includes multi-hornman (who is heard on trumpet, flugelhorn, flute), pianist , bassist and drummer . ~ Alex Henderson