The second of two long-overdue recordings by the Tonight Show Band has its moments, but its reliance on swing-era warhorses and the generally predictable arrangements (
Bill Holman's reworkings of "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Serenade in Blue" are exceptions) are disappointments. However, there is some excellent solo space for trumpeters
Doc Severinsen,
Snooky Young, and
Conte Candoli; tenors
Pete Christlieb and
Ernie Watts; and pianist
Ross Tompkins. Since this legendary big band recorded so little (just three albums for Amherst), all are worth picking up. ~ Scott Yanow