CD

Charlie Barnet, Town Hall Concert (HEP). As the swing era wound down, Barnet was one of the leaders hoping to keep big bands alive by pleasing the dancers while accomodating bebop developments. He had the right combination of elements; his adaptation of Elllingtonia, a smattering of bop-oriented young musicians, great arrangements by Andy Gibson, Neal Hefti and Billy May and–far from least–his own gutsy saxophone solos and charisma. The December, 1947, Town Hall concert is one of his enduring monuments. The trumpet work of 27-year-old Clark Terry–now thrilling, now endearing–is fresh fifty-nine years later.