Classical trumpeter Maurice André tries his hand at a
Claude Bolling classical/jazz suite, whose titles are getting more precious with each new work. Indeed, parts of Toot Suite are overrun with a terminal case of the "cutes" -- the hybrid "Rag-Polka" especially -- as Bolling's writing perhaps is pandering a bit toward the element in his mass audience that likes entertaining, featherweight novelties. But despite some evidence of wear,
Bolling remains capable of turning out appealing tunes like the jazz waltz "Allegro" and the Parisian boulevard-flavored "Spirituelle." André is an impeccable trumpeter, clean, sweet-toned and articulate to a fault; to accomodate his talents and his instrument collection,
Bolling spreads the six movements among five different horns (C and E-flat trumpets, B-flat piccolo trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn). Guy Pedersen (bass) and
Daniel Humair (drums) round out the team. ~ Richard S. Ginell