It’s easy to dismiss the alto sax of Johnny Dankworth, as he is associated with the popish vocals of his lovely wife Cleo Laine. But, back in the day, Danworth was a be-bopper, with a tone and style like Bird, which eventually evolved over time. This 3 disc, 75 song collection with Dankworth in various settings, show that he was a sax player to be reckoned with and respected.
With his Johnny Dankworth Seven, Dankworth sears through Charlie Parker’s “Marmaduke” and takes apart “Cherokee”, while gorgeously stark on a read of “Star Dust”. With his wife, there is a haunting take of “Lush Life” and husky “The Very Thought Of You”. Dankworth even does a salute to Bird with Strings as he gives an impressive stringed and harp take of “Someone To Watch Over Me” while a sizzling Afro Cuban “Moon Flowers” has Laine knocking it out of the park.
Some orchestra settings include a white knuckler of “Runin’ Wild” and a hotcha “Bugle Call Rag” and the band gives a Woody Herman feel to “Indiana” and a hard hitting “Applecake” while there are rich and dark exciting corners to “African Waltz”. This guy Is going to surprise, and impress ya.