AMG Review of Uncollected Claude Thornhill & His Orchestra

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The 1947 Claude Thornhill Orchestra is well featured on this excellent Hindsight recording which contains previously unreleased radio transcriptions. At the time trumpeter Red Rodney, clarinetist Danny Polo, altoist Lee Konitz and tenor saxophonist Mickey Folus were in the big band along with two French horns and the tuba of Bill Barber. With arrangements provided by Thornhill, Gil Evans and Gerry Mulligan among others, the 16-track program (which includes a three-song ballad medley) contains many memorable selections including "Robbins' Nest," "'Deed I Do," "Donna Lee," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and "Anthropology." Recommended.