This stunning release features the recording debut of
Bob Brookmeyer's New Art Orchestra, made up mostly of young Europeans recruited by the valve trombonist while touring the Continent. The four-part suite "Celebration" was originally written as a feature for the late baritone sax great
Gerry Mulligan for a special concert in 1994, two years before his death.
Scott Robinson fills
Mulligan's role admirably on this initial recording of this extended work, and
Brookmeyer's incredible voicings within the haunting ballad movement "Remembering" are also worth noting. The tracks following the suite are a diverse lot, but all of them merit strong praise. The leader's solo on the closer, "Boom Boom," demonstrates that his playing is as exciting as ever. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden