Teddy Charles - On Campus! Ivy League Jazz Concert (Japan, 2014)

This CD brings back a Bethlehem session, a rather unusual Teddy Charles set in that it is very much a jam session. Oddly enough Charles (despite being designated leader) is only on four of the nine numbers. With pianist Dave McKenna, bassist Bill Crow and drummer Ed Shaughnessy forming a swinging rhythm section, Charles is showcased on three numbers ("Yale Blue," "Whiffenpoof song" and "Nigerian Walk"), flutist Sam Most jams "That Old Black Magic," Zoot Sims is featured on two standards, Dave McKenna romps through "Struttin' with Some Barbeque," guitarist Jimmy Raney drops by for "Yesterdays" and the whole group comes together on "Rifftide." Few surprises occur but the obscure straightahead music is enjoyable enough.