Best big band album for ages!
J. P. Tagford | England | 09/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This new Clayton-Hamilton album has to be one of the best and most exciting big band records to be released over the past few years. The arrangements by John Clayton are exquisite; along with his arco bass playing and Jeff Hamilton`s drumming is sheer power and beauty!! The soloists are great and it`s nice to see veteran trumpeter "Snooky" Young hanging in there. I cannot fault any of the tracks. If you enjoyed the old Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestra you`.re going to love this one"
These guys can SWING!!!
B. J. Lane | Levittown, PA United States | 04/23/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The CHJO is a recent discovery of mine, but its co-leaders (John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton) are well-known in my jazz record libary. I really dig any big-band CD that is recorded live like this one was, and the entire roster of musicians in this band is magnificent.
All 11 tracks are the bomb, but I have to give huge props to Mr. Clayton for his exquisite arco bass solo on "Nature Boy." Also, the original nod to Horace Silver - "Silver Celebration" - it's a swinger!!!
More guys!!!"