James Newton - Water Mystery Year: 1985 Label: Gramvision GR 8407, 1986 Quality: CBR 320 kbps

Recorded at Mad Hatter Studios, Hollywood, California, January 1985

The five musicians of James Newton's wind ensemble featured on The Mystery School in 1982 (flutist Newton, bassoonist John Nunez, Charles Owens on English horn and soprano, clarinetist John Carter and Red Callender on tuba) are joined by oboist Greg Martin, bassist Roberto Miranda, percussionist Anthony Brown, April Aoki on harp and Allan Iwohara on koto for a rather colorful set. There are two tributes to Billy Strayhorn (including a version of "Star Crossed Lovers"), one for George Russell, a remake of "The Crips" and a pair of features for the koto. A very interesting program of adventurous yet quite logical explorations. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel: James Newton - flute Charles Owens - English horn, soprano sax John Carter - clarinet Allan Iwohara - koto Red Callender - tuba Greg Martin - oboe John Nunez - bassoon Roberto Miranda - bass Anthony Brown - percussion

James Newton - Water Mystery Tracks: 01 Star Crossed Lovers 02 Lone Hill 03 The Crips 04 Water Mystery 05 One For Strayhorn 06 Dance Steps