Baritonist
Gil Melle's recordings are usually a bit unusual and this CD reissue is no exception.
Melle's nine compositions are performed by one of three sextet/septets featuring either
Art Farmer,
Kenny Dorham or
Donald Byrd on trumpets,
Hal McKusick or
Phil Woods on alto, guitarist
Joe Cinderella, bassist
Vinnie Burke, drummer
Ed Thigpen and sometimes either
Julius Watkins on French horn or
Don Butterfield on tuba. The charts are unpredictable and often dramatic, looking ahead toward a musical future that never occurred.
Watkins takes solo honors during his three appearances.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi