ProJazz.net

llusions is jazz saxophonist Arthur Blythe‘s third album for the Columbia label, recorded in New York City in 1980.

Reception

From contemporary reviews, Robert Palmer placed the album at fifth place in his best of 1980 list for The New York Times, proclaiming Blythe to be a “formidable alto saxophonist” and that the funk tunes on the album “proved that substantial yet danceable jazz isn’t an impossible dream.”

From retrospective reviews, Scott Yanow of AllMusic states that “the distinctive alto of Blythe is heard in top form on six of his unusual originals … It’s recommended.”

Track listing
All compositions by Arthur Blythe
“Bush Baby” – 6:28
“Miss Nancy” – 7:24
“Illusions” – 4:10
“My Son Ra” – 5:59
“Carespin’ With Mamie” – 7:04
“As of Yet” – 5:04

Personnel
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Abdul Wadud – cello (tracks 1, 3 & 5)
James Blood Ulmer – guitar (tracks 1, 3 & 5)
Bob Stewart – tuba (tracks 1, 3 & 5)
John Hicks – piano (tracks 2, 4 & 6)
Fred Hopkins – bass (tracks 2, 4 & 6)
Bobby Battle (tracks 1, 3 & 5), Steve McCall (tracks 2, 4 & 6) – drums

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Released: 1980
Recorded: April–May 1980
Length: 36:09
Label: Columbia
Producer: Jim Fishel, Arthur Blythe