Search - Blue Mitchell :: Boss Horn

Blue's The "Boss"

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/18/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Trumpeter Blue Mithcell's "Boss Horn" is making its domestic debut as a single CD title with this RVG Edition release on Blue Note. (Please note, it was previously available as an import and in a limited edition set from Mosaic Records.) This November 17, 1966 session features an extended lineup of Julian Priester on trombone, Jerry Dodgion on alto sax and flute, Junior Cook on tenor sax, Pepper Adams on baritone sax, Cedar Walton and Chick Corea alternating on piano, Gene Taylor on bass and Mickey Roker on drums. Duke Pearson also lent his arranging talents for this album, along with one original composition, "Millie." Generally, I am luke-warm when it comes to Pearson, but the material is enjoyable in this setting. However, it is the Blue/Junior Cook tandem along with a young Chick Corea who steal the show (much like they did on Blue's earlier "The Thing To Do" -- see my review), the latter with his performances on his own "Tones for Joan's Bones" and "Straight Up and Down." Overall, a solid if not stellar date, but I am glad to see EMI is continuing to make classic Blue Notes readily available."