Other than an obscure effort for Philips in 1961, this was the final recording by
Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All-Stars. Actually, the 1957 edition of the band (with trumpeter
Stu Williamson, trombonist
Frank Rosolino,
Bob Cooper on tenor, pianist
Victor Feldman doubling on vibes, bassist
Rumsey, and drummer
Stan Levey) is augmented on this LP by ten additional horns.
Cooper is the most important force on the date, for not only does he take many fine tenor solos, but he composed five of the six numbers (all but the opening "Strike Up the Band") and provided all of the arrangements. The music, although not innovative, is colorful and swings.