A superior arranger,
John La Barbera utilized some of the top Los Angeles-based musicians on this big-band date (including his brother, drummer
Joe La Barbera), importing his other musical brother, tenor and soprano saxophonist
Pat La Barbera from Canada. Along the way one hears one of
Woody Shaw's best compositions ("Moontrane"), an organ piece for
Bill Cunliffe ("Pythodd Fellows"), the love theme from the film Apache ("My Love And I"), an obscure
Duke Ellington number ("Fantaqzm"), the pop tune "Kyrie,"
Pat La Barbera's "Yours or Mine or Blues," and three originals by the leader. In addition to
Pat and
Joe La Barbera, key soloists include trumpeters
Clay Jenkins and
Wayne Bergeron, guitarist
Larry Koonse,
Bob Sheppard on soprano, altoist
Kim Richmond,
Bob Carr on bass clarinet, trombonist
Andy Martin, and
Bill Cunliffe on piano and organ. The writing gives each selection forward momentum and the results are never predictable. Highly recommended.