Barrett Deems at his best
10/07/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unfortunately for Big Band fans, it's too late to catch the esteemed Barrett Deems -- he passed away recently. But on this CD, you can catch the master as he leads an all-star assemblage of Chicago's best, in a recording that faithfully captures the intensity this group used to pound out every week in the basement of Lincoln Park's Elbo Room. Don't miss the trombone lead in "Night in Tunisia," a departure from the usual trumpet lead. Kick back, pour yourself a cold one, dim the lights and you're right there in the club with one of the hottest combos in recent memory."