Morning Star

Personnel: Hubert Laws (flute, alto flute, piccolo); Debra Laws, Eloise Laws, Lani Groves, Tasha Thomas (vocals); John Tropea (guitar); Gloria Agostini (harp); Elliot Rosoff, David Nadien, Gene Orloff, Irving Spice, Harry Cykman, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman, Emanuel Green, Harry Lookofsky (violin); Lucien Schmit, George Koutzen, Charles McCracken (cello); Romeo Penque (flute, alto flute, piccolo, English horn); Phil Bodner (flute, alto flute, clarinet); Jack Knitzer (bassoon); Alan Rubin, Marvin Stamm (trumpet, flugelhorn); James Buffington (French horn); Garnett Brown (trombone); Bob James (electric piano); Dave Friedman (vibraphone, percussion); Billy Cobham (drums); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).
Recording information: Van Gelder Studios (09/1972-10/1972).
Photographer: K. Abe.
Arranger: Don Sebesky.
Flutist Hubert Laws is joined by a large string orchestra on this set, which was arranged and conducted by Don Sebesky. Keyboardist Bob James is in the supporting cast, and some unnecessary background vocalists (including Debra and Eloise Laws) are employed on some of the numbers, but the focus is mostly on Laws' brilliant and appealing flute. Highlights include "Let Her Go," "Where Is the Love," and, particularly, "Amazing Grace." The results are pleasing, if not quite essential. ~ Scott Yanow