The Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band was the premier recording and touring ensemble of its time in the mid- to late '70s, recording five albums for the RCA Victor label, and stunning audiences with sheer virtuosity and the charts of the Japanese born pianist. A symmetry between Asian culture and American bop made this orchestra most unique, exciting, and above all, highly original.
This three-CD set contains the
quintuple RCA studio recordings that set a high bar for all others to
follow, and gave stiff competition to people like Gil Evans. Akiyoshi
wrote music well suited to her rising stars and established veterans,
while Tabackin was given more than ample opportunity to express himself
on tenor sax, and especially his vibrant flute. This band also grew
talent that would go on to become leaders, including Bobby Shew and Gary
Foster, those who developed into section leaders like Phil Teele, Bill
Reichenbach, and Dick Spencer, and trusted veterans Britt Woodman, Bill
Perkins, Don Rader, and King Errison.
If you do not already
own these recordings and are a progressive big-band fan, it is in your
interest to search for this quintessential collection. Mosaic Select has
hit a grand slam with this reissue, featuring a band in their early
years that has hit on all cylinders since its inception, and never lets
off the gas. It comes with an absolute highest recommendation.
