Live at the Verona Jazz Festival, 1988

This CD has vibraphonist Teddy Charles' first recording in 25 years. In the interim, he had largely dropped out of music to become a charter sailboat captain in the Caribbean. He shows throughout this excellent concert that not only was he still in his prime, but he had lost none of his adventurous spirit. Joined by a much younger rhythm section (pianist Harold Danko, bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Tony Reedus), Charles excels on both jazz standards and in more advanced settings (including a free improvisation called "Third Leveling"). Danko also has many fine post-bop solos. Strangely enough, the closing rendition of "'Round Midnight" is not mentioned anywhere in the liner notes or the song list. Highlights overall include "All the Things You Ain't," "Walkin'" and "Nostalgia for Mingus" (which is really "Nostalgia In Times Square"). Unfortunately, Teddy Charles soon became largely musically inactive again, but at least he did make this one European tour and recording. ~ Scott Yanow