During an era when mainstream jam sessions were fairly rare and fusion reigned, Storyville documented an all-star group mostly comprised of swing era veterans. Tenor-saxophonist
Buddy Tate, trombonist
Vic Dickenson and trumpeter
Doc Cheatham (who was 70 at the time and just beginning to emerge as a soloist) make for a potent frontline, pianist
Johnny Guarnieri is heard in prime form and bassist George Duvivier and drummer
Oliver Jackson are typically tasteful in support. Two alternate takes were added to the original seven-song program for this CD reissue and there are features for
Dickenson (who sings and plays his own "Constantly"),
Cheatham ("I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues") and
Tate ("There Goes My Heart"). However it is the four group jams that are most exciting. Easily recommended to mainstream jazz fans. ~ Scott Yanow