The legendary trumpeter and flugelhorn master Clark Terry led his own big band during the 1970s, and I had the pleasure of seeing this swinging outfit when I lived in Italy during these years. A veteran of both Basie and Ellington, his own orchestra had elements of both, bringing in joyful swing and sophisticated charts. He even had a couple ringers in the band, including trombonists Buster Cooper and Chuck Conners along with woodwinder Chris Woods as part of his 17 member ensemble.
Here, they are caught in Holland for a 1979 gig, with Terry acting as MC as well as director, musician and vocalist of sorts. For the latter, he brings down the house as he delivers a classic and side splitting “Mumbles” mixing scat with Redd Foxx. The band swings like Kansas City around “A Toi” with an impressive Ellingtonian tribute via baritone sax by Charles Davis on “Carney” while the Connors goes wild on “Rock-Skippin at the Blue Note”. Terry is cozy on “Just Squeeze me” and the saxes take turns rocking out on “Una Mas” while the section goes a cappella for the intro to “Rabdi”. As with his solos, Terry’s band is filled with fun, style and swing. A true pleasure, when music was able to put a smile on your face. What went wrong?