Blue & Sentimental (Rudy Van Gelder Edition) (1963)

"Ike Quebec's early sixties comeback albums were all pretty rewarding, but this one is his signature statement, a superbly sensuous blend of lusty blues swagger and achingly romantic ballads. True, there's no shortage of that on Quebec's other Blue Note dates, but "Blue & Sentimental" is the most exquisitely perfected. Quebec was a master of mood and atmosphere, and the well-paced program here sustains his smoky, late-night magic with the greatest consistency of tone. Part of the reason is that Quebec's caressing tenor saxophone sound is given a sparer backing than usual, with no pianist among the quartet of guitarist Grant Green, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. It's no surprise that Green solos with tremendous taste and elegance, and there are plenty of open spaces in the ensemble for Quebec to shine through. He's the quintessential seducer, striking just the right balance between sophistication and earthiness, confidence and vulnerability, joy and longing." (Steve Huey, Allmusic)