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Title: A very nice collection of tunes
Review: The other reviews have explained the genesis of this album, so I won't repeat it--but I have to say, I continue to be amazed at the amount of great music Blue Note didn't issue at the time it was recorded. This is a really nice collection. Stanley is, as always, a pleasure to listen to, so laid back, but in a gutsier, more muscular way than Stan Getz (who I also love). And the Duke Pearson arrangements are wonderful. Such beautiful harmonies and textures. I'm really digging the sound of this "downsized" big band (most cuts feature nine or ten players). The harmonic richness is there, but it's never overpowering, and it consistently avoids big-band cliches. If you like Stanley's "Rough 'N' Tumble" or "The Spoiler," then you will dig this set. Same general instrumental format, all Duke Pearson arrangements.
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