Goodies captures
J.J. Johnson's mid-'60s big band in full gallop. Paired with arrangers
Dick Hyman,
Slide Hampton and
Billy Byers, the music marries the nimble grooves of soul-jazz with the big, bold sensibilities of swing to stunning effect. Mastering adrenaline and atmosphere with equal aplomb, the music shifts effortlessly from powder keg dance melodies to lush, luminous ballads, complete with vocal contributions from
Osie Johnson and
Marlene Ver Planck. The latter's wordless turn on the stunning "Pense a Moi" is the album's unequivocal highlight. A little-known but rewarding session most easily obtained via the Lonehill label's two-disc
The Complete '60s Big Band Recordings set.