Bobby Watson and Curtis Lundy - Beatitudes (1983)

Altoist Bobby Watson's third recording as a leader (following obscure efforts during 1977-78 for Roulette and Pye) was the debut release by the tiny New Note label. Teamed up with pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Curtis Lundy (the co-leader of the date) and drummer Kenny Washington, the quartet performs five of the altoist's originals, one by Lundy plus the bop standard "Minority." Watson already had a distinctive sound at this early stage and his solos in the advanced hard bop setting are enthusiastic and fairly original. The Scottish Hep label has since reissued this music.