Soft Lights and Hot Music

RELEASE
1988
LABEL
Musicmasters

Album Review

Recorded at the same sessions that resulted in two other CDs (both of which featured Thad Jones arrangements), this CD has charts by five different musicians, yet the sound of Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra stayed consistent. Most unusual is that all but two numbers on this release (originals by Kenny Werner and band pianist Jim McNeely) are standards. Altoist Ted Nash ("Our Love Is Here to Stay" and "It Could Happen to You") has two features; pianist Kenny Werner ("The Touch of Your Lips"), trombonist John Mosca ("How Long Has This Been Going On") and altoist Dick Oatts ("Little Man, You've Had a Busy Day") are also showcased; and there are spots for the tenor of Ralph Lalama, trumpeter Glenn Drews,and the up-and-coming tenor Joe Lovano. This fine effort is at the usual high level of the inventive orchestra.
Scott Yanow, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Soft Lights and Sweet Music
  2. Love Is Here to Stay
  3. Compensation
  4. Little Man (You've Had a Busy Day)
  5. Lester Left Town
  6. How Long Has This Been Going On?
  7. It Could Happen to You
  8. The Touch of Your Lips
  9. Off the Cuff