The
Illinois Jacquet big band has been together on a part-time basis for over a decade, yet this is still its only recording. Fortunately, it is a very good one, displaying its leader's love for hard-swinging and exciting performances. The featured sidemen include trombonist
Frank Lacy, trumpeters
Irv Stokes and
Jon Faddis, clarinetist Rudy Rutherford and pianist
Richard Wyands, but the great tenor's solos and the exuberant sound of the ensembles are most notable. With arrangements by
Wild Bill Davis,
Eddie Barefield and Phil Wilson, the highlights include "Tickletoe," "Stompin' at the Savoy" and "Three Buckets of Jive"; in reality, all eight selections are rewarding. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow