GENE AMMONS - The Soulful Moods of Gene Ammons (Sealed) (LP)

200-gram Analogue Productions LP reissue. One of the best efforts from Ammons' extensive catalog. A fat, warm, rich sax tone — you know, the one you immediately identify as 'Jug' — is on display in all its glory on this great Moodsville release. Feeling tired and stressed out? Give Uncle Gene a spin. Besides perfect pitch, Ammons' other special gift was a melodic sense that allowed him to effectively convey feelings at slow tempos. Here is a great jazz ballad player given full scope to spin his charms. — Stereophile, February 1995