This underrated Chiaroscuro CD is a joy from start to finish. Flügelhornist
Clark Terry is teamed with an unusually talented group of all-stars (trumpeter
Virgil Jones, trombonists
Al Grey and
Britt Woodman, altoist
Phil Woods,
Red Holloway on tenor, baritonist
Haywood Henry, pianist John Campbell, bassist
Marcus McLaurine, and drummer
Butch Ballard) which is filled with distinctive and colorful swing stylists. The standards and riff tunes give all of the horn players solo space and it is a particular joy to hear
Britt Woodman and
Haywood Henry (the latter near the end of his life) getting some feature spots. Highlights include "Swinging the Blues," "For Dancers Only," and "Just Squeeze Me." After 55 minutes of music
Clark Terry is heard on the 19-minute "Jazzspeak," verbally telling informative stories about his lengthy career, some of which are quite humorous. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow