Rick Laird - 1977 [1989] "Soft Focus"

From ex-Mahavishnu bassist and featuring Joe Henderson (sax). Lively, creative, and intriguing mix of standards and originals.

This CD is a rare and amazing find. Laird (electric bass) has Tom Grant on piano, Ron Steen on drums, and Joe Henderson on tenor sax for several tunes. You'll find standards, funk, latin, done in most excellent arrangements, by these accomplished musicians. For Joe Henderson fans this is a must have.

Rick Laird stepped away from the bombast of the Mahavishnu Orchestra to wax Soft Focus (1979) - a swinging slab featuring Joe Henderson (who also served as producer), Ron Steen, and Tom Grant. Laird’s warm electric tone affords the resonance of an upright as he works the supportive and solo roles with his usual understated expertise.

Track list:

1 Outer Surge
2 Now You Know
3 Thorn In A White Robe
4 I Love You
5 Soft Focus
6 Tranquility
7 We'll Be Together Again
8 No Me Esqueca
9 Peddle Has A Point
10 Gazelle
11 Caribean Firedance
12 Mystified
13 Pannonica

Personnel:

Bass Guitar – Rick Laird
Drums – Ron Steen
Piano – Tom Grant (2)
Saxophone – Joe Henderson