Several of the top bop-oriented trombonists are featured on this two-LP set which was put out by Arista in 1980. The great
J.J. Johnson teams up with baritonist
Leo Parker in a quintet for three numbers,
Frank Rosolino jams with a quartet in 1952 (including a version of "Take Me out to the Ballgame") and
Frank Foster's arrangements for four trombonists are quite enjoyable. There are also three selections and an alternate take from an all-star session arranged by
Billy Ver Planck that features a jubilant
Bill Harris on "Playgirl Stroll." This two-fer concludes with a
Curtis Fuller date from 1960 that also has solo space for trumpeter
Lee Morgan,
Yusef Lateef on flute and tenor, and pianist
McCoy Tyner. A well-rounded and consistently enjoyable set; most of the recordings have yet to be reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow