Search - Louie Bellson's Magic 7 :: Air Bellson

Still swinging at 72 in 96

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 03/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This septet session verifies that Bellson was still capable of generating plenty of rhythmic fire at age 72 in 1996. Incredibly enough, he also wrote all 13 tunes, which vary from blues and standard based chord changes to some more original melodies. The arrangements give the master drummer plenty of breaks to display his undiminished talent. Tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb, veteran trumpeter Conte Candoli, trombonist Andy Martin, and Sal Lozano (on alto, soprano, and flute) are also key contributors. Within a conservative harmonic context, the music is enjoyably swinging and inspired."