Buck Clayton

During the last few years of his life, when he could no longer play trumpet, Buck Clayton became a full-time arranger and wrote for an enthusiastic mainstream big band. The 16-piece orchestra (which is filled with such notables as altoist Jerry Dodgion, tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, pianist Dick Katz and a trumpet section comprised of John Eckert, Jordan Sandke, Byron Stripling and Warren Vache) is heard on this 1997 CD performing a dozen of Buck's originals, most of which were newly composed. The concise solos perfectly fit the swinging charts, and although Clayton does not play a note, his personality can be felt throughout the rewarding date, one of his final recordings. ~ Scott Yanow., All Music Guide