Trombonist
Dan Barrett teams up with a particularly strong band of Australian mainstream jazzmen on this highly enjoyable release. Co-leader is
Tom Baker who mostly plays tenor but also switches to his pretty alto on "Indian Summer" and "Through for the Night." The rhythm section (pianist Chris Tapperell, guitarist Ian Date, bassist Don Heap and drummer Lynn Wallis) is supportive and swinging, and the great Australian cornetist
Bob Barnard sits in on three exciting numbers. One of them, "That's a Plenty," finds both
Barrett and
Baker switching to trumpets and the well-arranged results for the three brassmen is very exciting. Other highlights include "Vignette," "It's Like Reaching for the Moon," "Lady Be Good" (which finds
Barrett and
Baker reproducing
Lester Young's famous solo) and
Gene Ammons' "Jug." Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow