is known primarily for playing with small ensembles, so this recording as part of an octet is a departure for the great guitarist. This "all-star" combo includes trumpeter in a sublimated role, while tenor saxophonist is featured a bit more, and pianist solidifies the nucleus of a very talented band of old pros and unsung heroes. Trumpeter may not be a common garden-variety name to most, but he asserts himself quite well during this session. Twin bass underpinnings from and add heft to the rhythm section, while always reliable drummer shows his mettle as a solidly swinging timekeeper. The fare is split between standards, originals, and favorites, including 's rousing with the jamming leading the charge, and as everyone joins in and takes a fine, distinctive solo. The classic of is done here, as 's deft chords with the sax and trumpets form a strolling, impenetrable front line -- one of the very best, fully formed and realized versions of this great song. contributed the folkish derived from the story of banished African-American slave , a light rural swing with no horns save 's muted trumpet solo. is a bouncy bop blues punctuated by 's tenor as further accents with sharp strumming chords. Everybody plays together in sweet agreement on a stock jam tune that shows the band has no issues with grandstanding, egos, or finding enough space to play. The band strips down to a trio on the pristine ballad presents a spare, spacious melody line during The balance of this group should duly receive high marks (especially since it was a one-shot), sounds right at home with these fellow legends, and the obscure deserves individual stars on his own. ~ Michael G. Nastos