Composer, bandleader, and arranger
Gerald Wilson compiled this 16-track selection of personal favorites, offering an excellent introduction to his Pacific Jazz recordings. During the four-year period (1961 through 1966) represented by this collection, numerous jazz greats passed through the ranks of
Wilson's big band, including
Harold Land,
Teddy Edwards,
Richard "Groove" Holmes,
Joe Pass, and
Roy Ayers. The compilation includes exploratory arrangements of the
Miles Davis composition "Milestones" and
Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight" along with noteworthy
Wilson-penned originals "Jeri," "Carlos," and "Viva Tirado," which became a hit for the Latin rock band
El Chicano in 1970. This a quality sampler for the novice, but will hold no interest for the hardcore collector. ~ Al Campbell