Big Texas Tenor
04/16/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a true link to the past masters of swing. Mr. Carrol shows some deep soul on this set of little known works by Ellington, and mentor, Don Wilkinson. Few people know saxophonist, Marchel Ivery, but his work is well documented in the annals of Texas jazz. He even spent time early in his career with Blakey's Jazz Messengers. My two favorites are "Basic Black" and "Scrappy". Current Ellington pianist, Tommy James glides thru his tune like a kite. The only thing better than this CD is the follow-up, A Distant Star. Big Ups!!!"