On this fine CD, drummer Brooks Tegler keeps the small-group swing tradition alive. He performs songs by
Duke Ellington and
Louie Jordan along with such jazz standards as "Sweet Lorraine," "Lullaby of Birdland" and "Topsy" and a few obscurities (including
Trummy Young's memorable "Through the Night" and
Gerry Mulligan's "Applecore"). Among the large supporting cast (most selections use overlapping but different personnel) are such notable players as the young tenorman
Harry Allen, several different trumpeters and guitarists
Danny Gatton and Steve Jordan. Tegler's effort (he also takes two personable vocals) is excellent, making one wonder why he is not better known. ~ Scott Yanow