Multi-instrumentalist Collette came to front a 20-piece group for this in-concert date at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., as part of a Library Of Congress Jazzfest. For this hour program, Collette presents his original compositions, many modern charts adapted to larger accompaniment. Besides the world-class flute, sax, and clarinet of the leader, you get exceptional solo and ensemble work from clarinetist/saxophonist Jack Kelson; supplemental saxophonists Ann Patterson, John Stephens, and Louie Taylor; trombonists George Bohanon, Garnett Brown, Maurice Spears, and Britt Woodman; trumpeters Al Aarons and Ron Barrows; pianist Gerald Wiggins; guitarist Al Viola; and other notables. The band starts with the bright flute-driven bopper Magali with a drum break from Ndugu Leon Chanceler and a handsome sub melody from the other horns, then all join together on this memorable line. Call and response splendor is extant during Andre, the bridge having an Afro-Cuban rhythm and a good swing section for Collette's tenor sax. Kelson's clarinet lead intro and free improv with Viola's guitar prompts the band into insistent swing on Mr. Mrs. Goodbye from an easier wrought, older-type tradition. Brown's piquant trombone takes the initial foray for Blues #4, the group supporting his extended wailing. Special guests Chico Hamilton and Ernie Fields, Jr. make cameo appearances on the finale Buddy Boo, as the drummer's signature roiling samba-tango swing leads to a happy swing that elevates the alto sax solo of Fields to a high level as Viola's tiny plucked notes tiptoe around the orchestral monster. This is a wonderful recording that gives further proof to the notion that Buddy Collette continues to be one of the greatest jazz musicians of them all, and also an unsung hero of big-band legerdemain. The band being absolutely loaded can't hurt. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi

1		Magali
2		Andr
3		Mr. And Mrs. Goodbye
4		Blues Number Four
5		Jazz by the Bay
6		Blues in Torrance
7		Point Fermin from "Friendships Suite"
8		Buddy Boo

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