Of the Tonight Show Band's three Amherst CDs, this is the most highly recommended one. The repertoire is fresher than the songs featured on the two earlier releases and, in addition to the usual swing-era standards, such tunes as
Tommy Newsom's "Three Shades of Blue" and
Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" are included. Guest appearances by trumpeter
Wynton Marsalis ("Avalon") and singer
Tony Bennett ("I Can't Get Started") add some variety, the arrangements (mostly by the innovative
Bill Holman and
Tommy Newsom) are generally colorful, and the band (featuring such soloists as trumpeters
Doc Severinsen,
Snooky Young, and
Conte Candoli; tenor saxophonist
Pete Christlieb; and pianist
Ross Tompkins) sounds in prime form. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow