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Bill Berry & His L.A. Big Band Hello Rev Release Date: 1976 08 zz Label: Concord Jazz Although a bit overlooked at the time (especially on the East Coast), Bill Berry's L.A. Big Band was one of the finest jazz orchestras of the mid- to late '70s. The all-star unit unfortunately recorded much too little, just one album for cornetist Berry's Beez label and this lone Concord set. The power and joyful swing of the all-star unit can certainly be heard on the latter, which was recorded at the 1976 Concord Jazz Festival. Solo space is allocated to Berry; trumpeters Jack Sheldon (who also sings "Tulip or Turnip"), Blue Mitchell, and Cat Anderson; trombonists Tricky Lofton, Jimmy Cleveland, and Britt Woodman; tenor saxophonists Richie Kamuca and Don Menza; and pianist Dave Frishberg, among others, and one should not overlook the lead alto work by Marshall Royal. This was certainly a remarkable unit. Berry modeled the band after Duke Ellington's and his rendition of "Cotton Tail" (with high note blasts in the "background" by Cat Anderson) is a classic. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide Tracks: Title Composer Time 1 Hello Rev 5:49 2 Star-Crossed Lovers 6:18 3 Bink/And How 11:40 4 Earl 3:52 5 Little Song for Mex 3:09 6 Be Your Own Best Friend 1:57 7 Tulip or Turnip George, Ellington 4:28 8 Boy Meets Horn Ellington, Stewart 4:07 9 Cotton Tail Ellington 7:38 Releases: Year Type Label 1992 CD Concord Jazz 1990 CD Concord

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