Some of trombonist Stoneback’s originals such as the swinging title cut-on which the leader shows off his plunger technique-and the jungle rhythm-infected “The Beast Within,” add flavor to a program that is fairly straightly-performed big band swing. Several vocalists come in on classics like “Lullaby of Birdland” and “Mack the Knife,” but they fail to step off the well-worn paths to offer something fresh. On the other hand alto saxophonist Greg MacGill can be relied on to add an edge and bassist Ferry Orfanella brings a sense of imagination to his instrument.
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