The arrangements, the compositions, and the joy of
Buck Clayton's playing are celebrated during this live concert. The music looks back toward both the trumpeter's work as a member of Count Basie's Orchestra and his legendary Columbia jam sessions of the 1950s. The interesting mainstream group mixes together a few lesser-known Europeans -- trombonist
Jerry Tilitz,
Antti Sarpila on reeds, pianist
Brian Dee and bassist
Len Skeat -- with trumpeter/arranger
Randy Sandke (who does a superb job of taking
Clayton's place), the tenors of Harry Allan and
Danny Moss, baritonist
Scott Robinson and drummer
Butch Miles. The music really swings and has among its many highlights "All the Cats Join In," "Robbins Nest," "Jumpin' at the Woodside" and "Rock-A-Bye Basie." ~ Scott Yanow