Even at the age of 67,
Maynard Ferguson shows on this CD that he could still belt out the high notes. His "Big Bop Noveau" band consists of four trumpets, trombonist Tom Garling (who takes a rockish guitar solo on "Birdland"), Matt Wallace and Chris Farr on saxophones, and a rhythm section. With the exception of "Birdland," the music is strictly bebop, with plenty of screaming trumpet and heated playing; Wallace's alto outbursts often take honors. Highlights include "Manteca," "Cajun Cookin'," "Milestones" and a hyper "It Don't Mean a Thing." ~ Scott Yanow