LA-based band leader and arranger Chris Walden brings together some of the Best Coast’s artists for a swinging album that includes a surfeit of vocal tracks. With a sax section that boasts Jeff Driskill, Bob Sheppard, Brandon Fields, Tom Peterson and Kim Richmond, trumpets lead by Wayne Bergeron and Ron King, a trombone team with Andy Martin and Bob McChesney as well as drummer Ray Brinker just for starters, Walden has the crème of the crop for swinging instrumentals like the Hefti-inspired “Bailout” and hard swinging “Out Of Town.” The reed and brass sections get a workout on ”Gatsby” and guest Arturo Sandoval burns like a flare on “Arturo.”
If you’re looking for some vocals, you get a real treat her. A swaying take of “Sir Duke” has some winning lyrics done by Melanie Taylor”while Melanie Taylor sounds like a lot of fun on “ I Can Cook Too.” Carol Weisman gets cute on “Hey Good Looking” and even the 70s tune “Ride The Wind” sounds hip as Siedah Garrett handles the pop piece convincingly. Best of all is Tierney Sutton going stark and silhouette on “Only The Lonely” with pianist Alan Steinberger. Impressive charts veering through friendly waters.
Origin Records