If You Could See Me Now

Arranger Per Husby investigates seven Tadd Dameron originals plus four of his own songs, three of which have lyrics by Chan Parker. Husby utilizes a 13-piece all-star American big band and provides swinging arrangements in Dameron's style. Most of the selections have vocals from Karin Krog and/or Georgie Fame, and some of the Dameron pieces have been outfitted with new lyrics. Because of the quality of the instrumentalists, it is a pity that vocals take up so much of the time, but there are some fine solos along the way from (among others) tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, trombonist Jim Pugh, trumpeter Michael Leonhart, pianist Ted Rosenthal, Jerome Richardson on soprano, and Chris Potter on tenor and alto. Fame adds spirit to his interpretations, and Krog shows that she is one of the most underrated of veteran European singers. All in all, this is a successful if not quite essential project.