4 songs – 1993
Illinois Jacquet Big Band
A stirring miniset by Jacquet’s orchestra
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The always-exciting tenor-saxophonist Illinois Jacquet (1922-2004) had a long and productive career.
During his last dozen years, Jacquet loved to lead his big band and, although they only recorded one album, they consistently played memorable music that summed up his career.
This four-song miniset from 1993 is a superior showcase for the orchestra.
They start off with a brief but swinging “Stompin’ At The Savoy” which features drummer Duffy Jackson driving the band.
A lengthy version of “Doggin’ Around” has solos from Jacquet, an unidentified trumpeter, Irv Stokes on muted trumpet, baritonist Tom Olin, pianist Larry Ham, altoist David Glasser, and trombonist Brad Shigeta.
Jacquet is in the spotlight on “Flying Home” (which he had made famous with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra 51 years earlier) and his best-known composition “Robbins’ Nest.”
One can certainly understand why Illinois Jacquet is smiling throughout this set.
-Scott Yanow
Stan Getz