by Scott Yanow
Flugelhornist Clark Terry recorded quite frequently in the 1980s, and his consistency was very impressive. Terry's good humor, joyful and immediately distinctive sound, and creative, bop-oriented ideas combined to form a very accessible style. This Chesky CD finds C.T. joined by pianist Don Friedman, bassist Victor Gaskin and drummer Lewis Nash for a variety of superior standards and Terry's lone original &Finger Filibuster.& The songs all pay tribute to various trumpeters, and some, such as &Pennies from Heaven,& &Little Jazz& and &I Don't Wanna Be Kissed,& were not performed by the flugelhornist all that often; the resulting music is fresher than usual and often quite inspired. Recommended.