TOSHIKO AKYOSHI

Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra 

Bebop

Recordings by the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra are surprisingly few, particularly from the 1990s. The pianist/arranger Akiyoshi is near the top of her field, and her 1993 orchestra is heard in excellent form on this CD interpreting four of her originals, Lew Tabackin's "Broken Dreams" (a ballad feature for his tenor), and Dizzy Gillespie's "Bebop." Other key soloists include trombonist Conrad Herwig; trumpeters Joe Magnarelli, John Eckert, and Greg Gisbert; and altoists Jerry Dodgion and Jim Snidero. The music mostly swings hard, and there are many exciting moments along the way, making one wonder why this important orchestra has recorded so little since this time. Worth searching for.

• Toshiko Akiyoshi – piano

• Lew Tabackin – tenor saxophone, flute (piccolo)

• Walt Weiskopf – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute

• Jerry Dodgion – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute

• Jim Snidero – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute

• Scott Robinson – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet

• Michael Ponella – trumpet

• John Eckert – trumpet

• Greg Gisbert – trumpet

• Joe Magnarelli – trumpet

• Herb Besson – trombone

• Luis Bonilla – trombone

• Conrad Herwig – trombone

• Tim Newman – bass trombone

• Doug Weiss – bass

• Terry Clarke – drums