Clark Terry is the special guest of the SWR Big Band on this CD recorded during a 1998 concert in Stuttgart, Germany. The veteran trumpeter, flügelhornist, and occasional singer performs material from his days with
Duke Ellington (featuring his readily identifiable flügelhorn on both the powerful "Come Sunday" and an enthusiastic "Just Squeeze Me," the latter of which also adds his charming vocals), songs from his days leading his big band (
Ernie Wilkins' "Jenny" and Allan Foust's "Cold Tater Stomp"), and songs associated with him that aren't as well known.
Terry alternates between both horns in his up-tempo cooker "Tee Pee Time" and
Wilkins' swinging "Big Bad Blues."
Terry also delights his audience with his vocal impression of an incomprehensible blues singer on "Mumbles Returns." Numerous soloists within the SWR Big Band, especially tenor saxophonist
Peter Weniger and pianist Klaus Wagenleiter, shine in the spotlight as well. This very enjoyable live CD is easily recommended to fans of the ageless
Clark Terry. ~ Ken Dryden