Mike Vax Big Band: I Remember You

Marred by a compressed muddied recording sound usually associated with 1950s concert hall tapings, this live celebration of Stan Kenton by 15 of his former sidemen plus others is justified almost exclusively by the enthusiastic playing of such featured soloists as Chuck Carter, Conrad Herwig, Roy Reynolds, Steve Wilkerson, Steve Campos, Dennis Noday, Mary Fettig and George Roberts. Compositions include Willie Maiden’s jam fest, “A Little Minor Booze,” Santana’s “Europa,” as reconceived by Gabe Baltazar, Johnny Richards’ “Eurydice” and “Fata Morgana,” John Leubke’s chart on Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful,” “Yesterdays,” featuring Carter’s compelling baritone, and Nelson Riddle’s “Makin’ whoopee,” a showcase for Robert’s bass trombone.

Originally Published November 1, 1998