Brookmeyer

Bob Brookmeyer leads two different big bands and an octet on a trio of 1956 sessions made for RCA Victor. Drawing from the vast array of talent in New York City at the time, the valve trombonist scored several standards and a host of originals for these dates. The snappy miniature "Oh Jane Snavely" says a lot about his talent in just over three minutes, while an extended workout of "Open Country" indicates why this piece became an important part of his repertoire and a favorite of Gerry Mulligan, too. His exotic scoring of "Nature Boy" includes both Joe Singer's French horn and Don Butterfield's tuba in a stunning chart. The brilliant voicings used in his interpretation of "I'm Old Fashioned" bring a new dimension to this standard, which still sounds fresh decades later. Brookmeyer shines whenever he takes an opportunity to solo, as do his fellow musicians. It is peculiar that the leader is listed as Bobby on this release, a moniker that does not turn up elsewhere in his vast discography. ~ Ken Dryden|