There's no clear leader on this interesting session from around 1980, which features guitarists
Jay Berliner and
Richard Resnicoff with the far-better-known
Toots Thielemans (who also doubles on harmonica) and
Gene Bertoncini, with an all-star septet conducted and arranged by
Chico O'Farrill. Things get off to a promising start with a swinging take of
"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" with everything flowing smoothly. Each of the musicians except
Thielemans contributed an original composition, which is surprising, since
Thielemans is the best-known composer of the four with the huge hit
"Bluesette." Alto saxophonist
Frank Wess (who doubles on flute) wrote three of the songs, including the snappy
"Guitarus." Another gem of this date is a crisp interpretation of
Ernesto Lecuona's
"Malaguena." The strong supporting cast also includes
Roland Hanna,
Seldon Powell,
Mario Rivera,
Joe Newman,
George Duvivier, and
Richard Pratt. It's a shame that no one thought to add liner notes to explain how this recording came about. Long out of print since the folding of
Inner City,
jazz guitar fans will want to search for this rewarding LP. ~ Ken Dryden
