AMG Review of Incredible Kai Winding Trombones [Expanded]

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

After the J.J. Johnson-Kai Winding Quintet broke up in 1956, Kai Winding formed a four-trombone septet of his own which he led on a fairly regular basis through 1967. This long out-of-print Impulse LP was probably the group's best-known recording. Seven standards (including "Speak Low," "Doodlin'," and "Bye Bye Blackbird") and three of Winding's basic originals are played by the band with solos allocated not only to Kai but pianists Ross Tompkins and Bill Evans, along with guest conga player Olatunji. Fine straight-ahead music obviously most enjoyed by listeners who like the sound of trombones.