Charlie Barnet - The Everest Years (2015)

Charlie Barnet was at his prime as a tenor saxophonist and bandleader during 1939-1949 when his big bands were quite popular. By 1958 he was semi-retired but still enjoying himself, putting together orchestras whenever the mood struck him. He recorded two albums for Everest that year and, to be different, he left his tenor at home, instead playing alto and soprano sax. Although some of the songs are remakes of his earlier hits, they were often rearranged and sound fresh and new, particularly by 1958, with this version of "Pompton Turnpike" topping (and being more humorous) than the original recording. In addition to Barnet, the key soloists are trumpeters Charlie Shavers and Clark Terry. The enthusiasm of the musicians, some of whom were alumni but most at the time were studio musicians, is contagious and Barnet is heard at his most enthusiastic. Recommended. ~Scott Yanow