Flugelhornist
Clark Terry, three weeks shy of his 70th birthday at the time of this live performance, sounds very much at the peak of his powers throughout
Live at the Village Gate. Teamed up with old friend
Jimmy Heath, who doubles on tenor and soprano, pianist
Don Friedman, bassist Marcus McLauren and drummer
Kenny Washington (altoist
Paquito D'Rivera guests on "Silly Samba"),
Terry performs eight little-known originals. The tunes are all fairly basic, but they inspire these talented musicians to some of their best playing. The hard-swinging music, which includes a trumpet-drums duet on "Brushes & Brass" and some singing from the audience on "Hey Mr. Mumbles," is quite enjoyable, and among the most accessible type of jazz. ~ Scott Yanow