Bille Davis

Captured in the act here are Lamonte McLemore, Ron Townson, Billy Davis, Jr., Marilyn McCoo, and Florence LaRue during an early-'70s stint on the Vegas Strip, in the main room of Caesar's Palace. The performance offers an adequate sampling of the 5D's classics and concurrent pop songs that attendees would likely be familiar with.

This excellent album finds pianist Kirk Lightsey exploring five standards and his bassist Santi Wilson Debriano's "Nandi" with a solid quartet. Drummer Eddie Gladden is an asset but trumpeter Jerry Gonzales (whose muted statements on four of the six selections recall the lyricism of Miles Davis) often comes close to stealing the show. Lightsey, who sounds particularly strong on the ballads, is the obvious leader and his tasteful yet swinging piano is a joy to hear.