Charly Antolini - Special Delivery (1980/2015) [HDtracks]

In this 1980 outing Antolini has once again assembled an impressive ten-man mix of top-flight German and American players, with the inventive compositions written by members of the band. Pianist Dieter Reith’s Special Delivery sends the right message: a funky groove underpinning a sophisticated big band sound with a tinge of Mingus. Reith’s Mister C portrays a fast-paced swinging piece of jazz artistry, hip horn lines, and hot sax and drum solos. Written by trombonist Herman Breuer, Senor Hoche has a Latin tinge with a touch of Silver (Horace, that is) in this 6/8 blues. Electric bassist Wolfgang Schmidt’s The Pump pushes with a funky groove, tongue-twisting horn lines, and soulful horn, guitar, and electric piano solos. Antolini’s Drums Acapella is Charly’s masterclass. Viennese saxophonist Heinz von Herman’s Like a Swimming Pool is a refreshingly cool dive into the fusion world, with funky solos throughout; Herman’s Geh Heast Charly has Heinz on alto in a tribute to the bandleader, with Antolini doing what he does best: swing!