The fine swing trombonist
George Masso leads a top-notch sextet through seven
Cole Porter songs on a spirited live date recorded in Hamburg, Germany.
Masso has long been a valuable sideman but he also excels as a leader and is generous in allocating solo space. Trumpeter
Lou Colombo (long a legend in the Northeast) is heard on one of his best showcases, tenor saxophonist
Harry Allen (who sounds quite close to
Stan Getz in spots) swings hard, and the rhythm section (pianist
Johnny Varro, bassist
Phil Flanigan, and drummer
Jake Hanna) sounds as good as they look. Easily recommended to swing, trad, and classic jazz collectors. ~ Scott Yanow