Vic Lewis gathered together a remarkable all-star group of top Los Angeles-based musicians for this date and had the great
Bill Holman contribute some very complex but swinging arrangements. With strong solos from the likes of trumpeters
Conte Candoli and
Jack Sheldon, valve trombonist
Rob McConnell, altoist
Bud Shank,
Bob Cooper on tenor,
Bill Perkins on various reeds, either Mike Lang or
Alan Broadbent on piano, bassist John Clayton and drummer
Jeff Hamilton along with guest spots for pianist
Dudley Moore, trombonist Andy Martin and altoists
Lennie Niehaus and
Lanny Morgan, it is not surprising that the music is often quite magical. But even with the major individual voices, it is
Holman's writing that consistently takes honors for his charts are full of surprises and unusual twists and turns. Performed in 1989 (except for
Ruth Price's more recently re-recorded vocal on "When I Fall in Love"), this set is highly recommended and a particularly strong example of the brilliance of
Bill Holman's writing. ~ Scott Yanow