From Now On

by Scott YanowThis release from altoist Sonny Fortune is a particularly strong session, a mostly high-powered modal modern mainstream date with Fortune playing at his best and contributing five of the eight compositions. Trumpeter Eddie Henderson (who is filling the gap left by the ailing Freddie Hubbard) and tenor-saxophonist Joe Lovano are major assets on three songs (they both appear on "Glue Fingers" and the 17-minute "Thoughts" while playing one song apiece with Fortune in a quintet) but the focus is mostly on the leader and the rhythm section (which consists of pianist John Hicks, bassist Santi Debriano and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts). For Sonny Fortune (who has been underrated throughout his career), this is a pretty definitive session.