Search - Toshiko Akiyoshi Lew Tabackin Big Band :: Road Time (Mlps)

"Road Time" Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabakin Big Band

Vince Norman | Washington DC/Baltimore area | 03/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was given this LP by my father in 1979. I listened to it so much I can sing along with all the improvised solos (which is quite a feat since I loaned it out about 20 years ago and never got it back). This CD rendering is great. The recordings are live so there are little performance boo-boos here and there but the overall effect is stellar. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys good swingin' big band JAZZ. The featured soloists are Akiyoshi on piano, Peter Donald on drums, Bobby Shew and Steven Huffstetter on trumpet, Bill Reichenback on trombone, and the entire sax section: Dick Spencer and Gary Foster on altos, Tom Peterson on tenor, Bill Byrn on baritone and Lew Tabakin on tenor and flute (also playing some pretty amazing lead piccolo). As a big band arranger and composer myself, I have to say that this collection of music had a major influence on my decision to pursue jazz composition as a lifelong endeavor."

As Good As It Gets

Russell D. Dixon | Columbus, Ohio | 01/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This big band recording is about as good as it gets. It is one of my alltime favorites. The arrangements; playing and solos are all five star. Just wish it was available in the USA for a cheaper price."