Altoist/arranger
Matt Catingub's second recording as a leader has some good, swinging music, but the recording balance is odd. Not only are the drums a bit too loud, but the soloists are sometimes off mike (even though this is a studio date). The music is mostly fairly conventional, except when
Catingub's sense of humor (such as on the title cut) gets a bit out of control . Among the key soloists are altoist
Catingub, valve trombonist
Mike Fahn, and veteran singer
Mavis Rivers (the leader's mother); the big band also includes the young
Eric Marienthal, who is unfortunately not featured. Highlights include "Don't Be That Way," "Easy Living," "Jeanine," and "Donna Lee," but the strange sound quality does lower this CD reissue's appeal. ~ Scott Yanow