Buddy Collette - Buddy Collette and His West Coast Friends (2009)

The primary focus of the two albums compiled in this CD set rests on Buddy Collettes talents as a writer and as a multi-reed instrumentalist. Although the sleevenotes didnt say so, Tanganyka was Buddy Collettes album; he is the composer of most of the tunes and is featured throughout. On the second album, Mood for Max, a Max Albrights drummer date, Collette, as a player, is clearly the star of the session, along with trumpeter John Anderson. Both also made considerable contributions as composers and arrangers for the session.

Despite the presence of other great soloists on both dates, among them Jim Hall, Gerald Wiggins, Curtis Counce, Chico Hamilton and William Green, Buddys taste and sensitivity as a player and writer dominates. The writing ranges from the African exoticism that Collette had a penchant for delivering, as well as some Basie-type tunes, standards, and moody and groovy originals. Overall, it is an excellent example of the tight, considered writing that characterizes the best of the West Coast style.