Big Men

Many contemporary big bands are all about "breaking new ground" and "exploring new pathways." Not this one. Ace clarinetist Ken Peplowski, who has performed and recorded with myriad large ensembles, at home and abroad, but has seldom led one—although he did record one other big-band album, Last Swing of the Century (Concord Jazz, 1999)—simply wants to make beautiful music, a goal he and his hand-picked corps of merry men (and one woman) easily reach on Sunrise, as they glide smoothly through a dozen numbers gleaned from the Great American Songbook and elsewhere.

From Al Grey's rumbunctious trombone to Hamp's hot mallets and sensitive ballad playing, from Terry's ebulent blowing (he was still at or near his prime) to "Sweets" Edison's slightly damaged musical economy of expression…
With great rhythm section (featuring good old Milt Hinton on bas, Hank Jones on piano and "the baby of the band" Grady Tate on drums), with more than solid sax work from Buddy Tate and more modern soloist James Moody (he was still in his prime), this CD couldn't have gone wrong.
Granted, some of the stars have seen better days, but this CD gives me such great listening pleasure !!! Playing swing and be-bop repertoire (inluding Moody's hillarious vocal take on interpretation of his own solo - "Moody’s Mood for Love" - complete with yodeling at the end), these golden men create the feeling of a genuine jazz festival, with plenty of great and spontanious interplay - check out the last and so often played Hamp's "Boogie Woogie", but also "Flyin' Home" and "Lover"… Very, very enjoyable !!!

The second of two volumes by "the Golden Men of Jazz" at the Blue Note in New York, this CD is not at the same level as the first with several almost chaotic spots; listen to how Lionel Hampton tries to hog the spotlight on "Ring Dem Bells." There are some good moments from Clark Terry, James Moody and Al Grey (although Harry Edison and Buddy Tate show their age a bit) but the earlier release, Live at the Blue Note, is a better performance. Nevertheless it's a collectors item for the Hampton fans !!!!