Dick Cary, best-known for being an original member of
the Louis Armstrong All-Stars in 1947 and for his work as a major force on the 1950s Los Angeles Dixieland scene, led a rehearsal band on a regular basis every Tuesday night for over a decade. A prolific composer and arranger,
Cary reportedly wrote over 1, 500 originals for his group even though the ensemble (generally around 12 pieces) rarely appeared in public. This 1996 CD, recorded less than a year before
Cary's death, has 14 of his pieces which range from modern swing to "Fugue" and a couple of classical-oriented works. Most of the horns get some opportunities to solo (particularly clarinetist
Abe Most) and there are some swinging pieces in the set. However the arrangements are surprisingly modern (particularly considering
Cary's background) and quite original. It is as if bebop never existed and jazz, from a swing base, continued evolving steadily after 1940. Although "The Tueday Night Band" has continued rehearsing on a regular basis after its leader's death, it is fortunate that they did record these sessions while
Dick Cary was still around to supervise. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow