Jimmy McHugh's evergreen "On the Sunny Side of the Street" appears on Joshua Redman's 1993 self-titled debut album as a relaxed, swinging treatment of one of the Great American Songbook's most optimistic melodies. The AABA form in C major is taken at an easy medium tempo, the performance radiating warmth and good humor. Redman delivers one chorus of tenor saxophone, his solo filled with the melodic grace and rhythmic ease that distinguish his ballad and medium-tempo playing from his more intense up-tempo work. His phrasing here is loose and conversational, suggesting a musician completely at home with the material. Christian McBride follows with one chorus of acoustic bass, his solo demonstrating the singing tone and rhythmic buoyancy that quickly established him as one of the premier bassists of his generation. The track's unpretentious charm reflects the album's carefully curated balance between original compositions and standards, between virtuosic display and straightforward musical communication. By placing this cheerful standard alongside challenging originals and bebop warhorses, Redman signaled that his musical vision was broad enough to encompass the entire jazz tradition. The performance captures the joy of skilled musicians making beautiful music together without any agenda beyond the pleasure of the moment.
