Jaki Byard & The Apollo Stompers - Phantasies, Vol. 2

The second CD featuring Jaki Byard's Apollo Stompers (a young big band) is actually superior to the first one. Although most of the soloists (other than guitarist Peter Leitch and trumpeter Graham Haynes) remain obscure, the material is more stimulating than on the debut set. In addition to a few standards, Byard penned tributes to B.b. King and Count Basie along with a two part "Concerto Grosso." His very versatile piano has its share of short solos, hinting at many earlier jazz styles. Read More