The main reasons for this CD reissue's success are
Melba Liston's inventive and unpredictable arrangements for the brass orchestra. Vibraphonist
Milt Jackson has nearly all the solos (although trumpeter
Clark Terry, trombonist
Quentin Jackson, Julius Watkins on French horn and
Major Holley on tuba do make their presence known) and seems understandably inspired by the backup orchestra which consists of four or five trumpets, three trombones, three or four French horns,
Holley's tuba and a rhythm section. The well-conceived set (which includes such songs as "Days of Wine and Roses," "Save Your Love for Me," some
Duke Ellington ballads and "Bossa Bags") is consistently excellent, making this a highly recommended set. ~ Scott Yanow