Search - Clark Terry :: Color Changes

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reading man | 07/25/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clark Terry had complete artistic control here, selecting the sidemen, tunes, and arrangers. The octet:



Clark Terry (trumpet, flugelhorn)

Yusef Lateef (tenor, flute, English horn, oboe)

Timmy Knepper (trombone)

Julius Watkins (French horn)

Seldon Powell (tenor, flute)

Tommy Flanagan (piano)

Budd Johnson (piano, Nahstye Blues)

Joe Benjamin (bass)

Ed Shaughnessy (drums)



In just 42:19 the artists have ample room, whether in solo or ensemble. Traditional horns shine. Exotic horns soften. Flutes add balance. Rhythm varies pulse. Even with thirteen voices, there is a relaxed sense of space. Transitions are seamless. While Mr. Terry is the unquestioned leader, the spotlight shines on all.



A waltz opens, followed by a haunting Eastern melody, oboe offering a mysterious solo. Flutin' swings, evening out the set. Flugelhorn plays over flutes, which then alternate. English horn and trombone engage, and the leader performs a one-man exchange between his two horns.



No Problem is intense, driven by Mr. Lateef's sax. Ensemble maintains intrigue in support of him, the leader, second tenor, and trombone. La Rive, featuring an extended trombone solo, is carefree. Flutes capture the spirit of the Left Bank.



Nahstye adds funk. Trumpet and flugelhorn bookend Mr. Lateef's howling tenor. The intermediate support of the group is perfect. Mr. Terry dedicated the final tune to the owner of a French Latin Quarter nightclub. Everyone takes a turn. Their effort is crisp, polished, and warm.



The textual nuance of Color Changes is never overstated, making Mr. Terry's creation a resounding success."