The Way to Monterey!
e. dolores | new york | 09/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After being blown away by the 2005 release, In My Time, I was enthused when I learned that Wilson was going to release another cd. Not only is the cd worth every penny, the Monterey Moods Suite is exquisite -- Wilson's band is on point in interpreting musically the compositions. This is a cd for every big band jazz lover's collection. Don't sleep on it!"
A Desultory Affair
CHA | Boston, MA | 11/15/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Gerald Wilson is a wonderful composer and conductor of traditional big band music but I think he misses on this one. All of these tracks seem to get stuck in a rut interrupted by uninspired solos particularly the flute solos of Hubert Laws. I have never been a big fan of jazz flute except for James Spaulding's playing on various 1960's Blue Note recordings.
This sounds like an assembly of smooth jazz artists who have put aside the drum loops and electric bass thumps to produce a traditional big band jazz recording. This does not compare to his previous release "In My Time." Maestro Wilson conducts a stellar cast of musicians on that recording playing excellent material.
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