Neal Hefti

Neal Hefti, a fine trumpeter whose swing-based style hinted at bop, became a notable full-time arranger by the late 1940s. However, this obscure LP from the mid-'50s is a real surprise, for Hefti is featured playing trumpet on ten danceable numbers as part of an unidentified quintet. The last (and most extended) example of Neal Hefti's decent abilities on trumpet, this date finds Hefti improvising melodically on such tunes as "That Old Black Magic," "You Do Something to Me," "Mack the Knife" and "I Won't Dance." Not essential music, but certainly a historical curiosity. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide