May 1997

Per Husby
If You Could See Me Now
Gemini Records

By Nancy Ann Lee

Norwegian-born Per Husby leads a 12-musician, all-star ensemble in N.Y.C.'s Clinton Studios through seven straight-ahead Tadd Dameron tunes and four Husby originals. Retaining small-band intimacy yet equally sparking spirited big band sounds, conductor-arranger Husby highlights soloists Frank Wess, Chris Potter, Jim Pugh, Howard Johnson, Ted Rosenthal, Grady Tate and others. Vocals from Karin Krog and Georgie Fame sometimes intrude, but tastefully swinging, upbeat arrangements and sumptuous solos yield a pleasant listen.