AMG Review of Go Straight Ahead 'n Make a Left

Stephen Thomas Erlewine
All Music Guide

Go Straight Ahead 'N Make A Left actually sounds like its title -- Watanabe takes straight-ahead bebop around a left corner, courtesy of funky rhythm arrangements piloted by his longtime keyboardist, Bernard Wright. Together, they illustrate that there are still some new variations on the saxophonist's modern-day Charlie Parker-styled bop improvisations. Occasionally, the music dips into dangerously smooth territory, but Watanabe's strong playing keeps things on course and makes the record a pleasurable listen. (Watanabe is supported by Wright, bassist Stephen Teele, percussionist Steve Thornton and drummers Mike Flythe, Hassan Flythe and Charley Drayton on Go Straight Ahead.)