Broadcast on 05-Aug-2013

This is a recording which combines the incredible talents of J.J.Johnson, trombone master and his composing and arranging abilities. Mr. Johnson said at the time of this recording done in 1964 that it was his best and everything he wanted to do up to that time. He is in magnificent form on his trombone and he was able to assemble two orchestras for these dates. The first is a 17 piece band which performs three pieces and the rest is an 11 piece band doing the rest of the titles. Mr Johnson composed only one piece here called "El Camino Real" but he arranged 6 great Jazz standards. He generously gave Gary McFarland two compositions and arrangements. Johnson arranged Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" and Tom McIntosh arranged and composed two selections. The orchestras contain the cream of the crop of New York based Jazz/studio players....names like Clark Terry and Thad Jones, Oliver Nelson and Jerry Dodgion and a great rhythm section with Hank Jones on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass and Grady Tate on drums is hard to beat. J.J.! is a fine complete portrait of one of the premier Jazz musicians of the last century. J.J.....indeed!