4 Brothers 7

This septet tribute to Woody Herman features a band of Herman alumni put together by Frank Tiberi, who took over leading Herman's band after his death. In addition to Tiberi on tenor sax, Larry McKenna and John Nugent also play tenor, with Mike Brignola on baritone sax; the rhythm section includes pianist David Berkman, bassist Lynn Seaton, and drummer Matt Wilson. While not all of the songs were a part of Herman's repertoire, the influence is apparent on most tracks. The brisk treatment of "Four Brothers" makes the group sound like a big band, with tight ensembles and exciting solos by each of the saxophonists, with Brignola adapting an Al Cohn arrangement of Jimmy Giuffre's famous piece. Everyone takes a chorus in the breezy rendition of "Woody 'n You," while Seaton's simultaneous singing in unison with his arco bass (à la Major Holley), with a deep growling vocal, is a highlight of the bluesy "Four of a Kind." Tiberi switches to soprano for a stroll through John Coltrane's "Central Park West" and also penned two of the compositions heard on this fun-filled session. Highly recommended.