Originally recorded for the Hi Fi label, this CD reissue features tenor saxophonist
Richie Kamuca as the main soloist on a variety of standards and basic material arranged by
Bill Holman, who plays baritone with the octet. Also heard from are trumpeters
Conte Candoli and
Ed Leddy, trombonist
Frank Rosolino, pianist
Vince Guaraldi, bassist
Monty Budwig, and drummer
Stan Levey. The music, although based on the West Coast, is not as cool-toned or as laid-back as one might expect. High points of the consistently swinging session include "Blue Jazz" (a
Kamuca blues), "Star Eyes," "Linger Awhile," and "(Back Home Again In) Indiana." ~ Scott Yanow