Ken Peplowski/ Alan Barnes

Happy Reunion Woodville***

For this insouciantly swinging visit to the swing era small group music of Ellington and his great altoist Johnny Hodges, Barnes led an octet comprising himself, Ken Peplowski and Robert Fowler on saxophones and clarinets, Bruce Adams (trumpet), Mark Nightingale (trombone) and a Robin Aspland-Andy Cleyndert- Bobby Worth rhythm section. Using a mix of transcriptions and fresh arrangements, the sound uncannily echoes the originals at times, and the crisp ensembles are delivered with verve and a palpable sense of enjoyment, buoyed by a rhythm section that is anchored by Cleyndert's powerful bass. Nightingaleis outstanding in a roster of excellent soloists at their individual and collective best on Sweet as Bear Meat, Ko-Ko, Frisky, The Moocheand Through for the Night.To have Ellington evoked with such skill and love should delight the maestro's aficionados. See woodvillerecords.com