John Lewis

This was the initial release by Orchestra U.S.A., an enterprise undertaken by pianist/composer John Lewis (of the Modern Jazz Quartet) to perform virtually any composed or improvised music, mixing top-flight instrumentalists from both jazz and classical music. It included two string quartets, large woodwind and brass sections, plus a variety of rhythm instruments. Lewis' "Three Little Feelings," expanded from its 1956 brass orchestration, features outstanding solos by alto saxophonist Phil Woods and guitarist Jim Hall. Both "Donnie's Theme" (featuring Eric Dolphy's explosive alto sax) and "Natural Affection" (featuring the composer's piano) were written by Lewis for a Broadway play by William Inge, +Natural Affection. Lewis' writing for strings is breathtaking in "Milano," a work that he performed and recorded numerous times over the length of his career. Gary McFarland contributed two compositions: "Milesign," featuring another driving yet adventurous alto sax solo by Dolphy, and "Grand Encounter," an offbeat number showcasing the leader. Conductor Gunther Schuller scored the brief finale, an odd interpretation of "The Star Spangled Banner," a treacherous piece based on an old English drinking song. [Originally issued as a Colpix LP and long unavailable, this highly recommended album finally appeared as a Lone Hill Jazz CD in 2004, adding the mono takes for each selection as bonus tracks.] ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide