Louie Bellson And His Big Band - Live From New York (1994)

At 71, Louie Bellson on this CD displays more energy than most drummers half his age. Bellson not only takes solos on more than half the selections (including a lengthy workout on "Santos"), but he composed all seven originals; the only surprise is that Bellson decided to let some of his musical friends (including Matt Catingub, Tommy Newsom, and Bob Florence) arrange the charts instead of writing them himself. With concise solos from such sidemen as trumpeters Marvin Stamm and Glenn Drewes, tenorman Ted Nash, altoists Joe Roccisano and Steve Wilson, and trombonist Keith O'Quinn, Bellson's music is given perfectly suitable interpretations. But just in case, the equally ageless fluegelhornist Clark Terry (at 75) stars on two songs, including the exquisite ballad "Blow Your Horn." With Louie Bellson constantly driving the ensembles, this is a big band disc well worth acquiring.

Personnel:

Louie Bellson (piano, drums); Joe Roccisano, Steve Wilson (alto saxophone); Ted Nash, Scott Robinson (tenor saxophone); Jack Stuckey (baritone saxophone); Daryl Shaw, Darryl Shawl, Robert Millikan, Marvin Stamm, Glenn Drewes, Danny Cahn (trumpet); Clark Terry (flugelhorn); Herb Besson (trombone, bass trombone); Michael Davis , Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell (trombone); Derek Smith (piano).Harvie Swartz (bass).

TRACK LIST:

1. Soar Like An Eagle
2. The Louie Shuffle
3. Blow Your Horn - Clark Terry
4. I. Vine Street Waltz/II. Beverly And The Beach/III. (Studio City) Gathering
5. Louie & Clark Expedition - Clark Terry
6. Francine
7. Santos

Recording Time 58 minutes