To commemorate the 30th anniversary of
JATP's first visit to Japan, producer
Norman Granz put together a new Jazz at the Philharmonic show in 1983. Many of the earlier players were either no longer around or unavailable but
Granz was able to gather a pretty strong all-star crew (
Harry "Sweets" Edison and
Clark Terry on trumpets,
Zoot Sims and
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis on tenors, trombonists
J.J. Johnson and
Al Grey, pianist
Oscar Peterson, guitarist
Joe Pass, bassist
Niels Pedersen and drummer
Louie Bellson) for what would be
JATP's final tour. This two-CD set starts off with the all-stars jamming on three lengthy tunes. Each of the horns are also showcased on two short ballads apiece (which by itself totals 33 minutes). The
Oscar Peterson Quartet and
Ella Fitzgerald both have fine mini-sets and the proceedings conclude with
Fitzgerald scatting with the horns on "Flying Home." Although the music does not reach the heights of
JATP's '50s performances, this is a well-conceived, enjoyable and now somewhat nostalgic set. ~ Scott Yanow