Aurex Jazz Festival (1982): All Star Jam

AMG Review of Aurex Jazz Festival (1982): All Star Jam

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

One of the most star-studded LPs in Eastwind's series of Aurex Jazz Festival is this compilation of excerpts from the 1982 concerts. The very impressive front line consisting of Clark Terry, Dexter Gordon, J.J. Johnson, and Kai Winding is supported by an equally accomplished rhythm section: Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Burrell, Richard Davis, and Roy Haynes. Although Clark Terry's driving lues is the opening number, no one soloist dominates. Terry's muted trumpet is paired with Davis for a turbo-charged duet performance of his up-tempo "Blues for Squeaky." Terry also adds his typically humorous vocals to his muted horn in "I Want a Little Girl." Other highlights include Flanagan playing one of his best-known works, "Eclypso"; Johnson and Winding rekindling the magic of their mid-'50s partnership with a hard-charging take of "It's All Right with Me"; and a first-class workout of Miles Davis' "Milestones," which reunites everyone back on stage. Like other Aurex Jazz Festival LPs, this Japanese import will be tough to find.