Ernie Watts is a rare example of a busy session musician who learnt how to fit in without crushing the creative forces that drove him. His most obvious influence is pre-phonic John Coltrane – rippling pentatonics, spiritual melodies and ultra-fast technique – but his rhythmic precision is grounded in the demands of the LA studios. This CD finds him in full flow, accompanied by his Dutch-based European quartet – a busy live schedule makes running two bands sound economics. Like a well-drilled house band, pianist Saenger and his trio give Watts an accurate and springy platform on which to shine, and are a bit more than filler between saxophone solos. But it's Watts whose showcase this is, and he's on fire throughout. Coltrane's ‘Crescent’ moves from homage to personal statement, the slight melody of Lennon/McCartney's ‘Blackbird’ gets beefed up by vibrato and the swinger's build to an inevitable climax. Best band tracks are the opening Steps Ahead-like ‘Konbanwa’ and the Watts'-penned ballad title.