Horns of Plenty Vol. 3

The third of three volumes of double CDs put out by the Stan Kenton-oriented Tantara label is the most exciting of the trio. The first disc features the 1962 Kenton Mellophonium Orchestra playing at its best, mostly playing standards and a few numbers from West Side Story in addition to Gene Roland's "The Blues Story," Dee Barton's "Waltz of the Prophets," and Ray Starling's "Mellophobia." The band sounds enthusiastic during this concert. But particularly special are the selections from the Trinity Big Band. Recorded in the 1990s, the British band with guest soloists altoist Peter King, trombonist Mark Nightingale, and trumpeter Gerald Presencer perform the full-length Johnny Richards suite "Cuban Fire" with enthusiasm, creativity, and power. There are also six selections recorded at a later time with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler making a rare appearance in this modern mainstream setting. Highly recommended.