The fifth album from the Gerald Wilson Orchestra on Pacific Jazz again brings together a host of some of jazz’s most formidable key figures, all under the direction of trumpeter Gerald Wilson.

Teddy Edwards, Harold Land, Joe Pass, Bud Shank and many more swing and groove that the classification of this orchestra monster in the league of the great ensembles with names like Ellington, Basie, Herman, Gillespie, Kenton, Evans seems more than justified.

‚Well, the band is just an infernal swinging‘ machine, an effervescent, jubilant, moaning, caressing, ringing, dinging gas, alive with now, with this moment.’ Personally, I’m glad to hear Roy Ayers, who develops his funk sound, revolutionary in the 70s, here on vibraphone as well.

To be in an orchestra means perfection, timing and teamwork. Leading orchestras means cohesion, motivation and inspiration. Listening to the Gerald Wilson Orchestra means above all: great enjoyment!

Stefan Mohr