Pete York Jazz All-Stars - Live & Swinging (2003)

The musicianship of this swing-oriented European quintet is excellent and there are plenty of colorful solos by trombonist Roy Williams, pianist Wolfgang Dalheimer, and particularly Alan Barnes on tenor, alto, and clarinet; Barnes' spot on alto during Horace Silver's "Sister Sadie" is one of the high points. The weak point to the program (all but the closing "Shiny Stockings," which adds Rick Keller on tenor, is from January 17, 1998) is that drummer Pete York takes an excess of vocals. His singing is well-intentioned but his voice is merely average, slowing down the momentum and power of the music. Much better are the band's instrumental renditions of "Big Swing Face," "Isfahan," and a nearly 20-minute medley from Duke Ellington's sacred concerts that is comprised of "Tell Me It's the Truth" and slow and fast versions of "Come Sunday." The faster "Come Sunday" is known as "David Danced Before the Lord With All His Might" and has an exciting drum solo from York. That medley by itself is a good reason to acquire this disc from the German Nagel Heyer label. –Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

01. Big Swing Face 07:12
02. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm 04:39
03. All the Things You Are 07:24
04. Nothing from Nothing 06:31
05. I Would Do Most Anything for You 03:37
06. Isfahan 05:59
07. Caravan 08:48
08. Sister Sadie 06:55
09. Ellington Sacred Concert Medley: Tell Me It's the Truth/Come Sunday/David Danced Before The Lord With All His Might 19:59
10. Shiny Stockings 06:46

Musicians:
Drums, Vocals – Pete York
Electric Upright Bass – Harvey Weston
Piano – Wolfgang Dahleimer
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Alan Barnes
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Rick Keller (tracks: 10)
Trombone – Roy Williams