Bob Florence - Funupsmanship (1993)

Bob Florence has long been one of the most stimulating arrangers in jazz and this live set from his big band features some of his most interesting charts. With such soloists as trumpeters Steve Huffsteter and Warren Luening, trombonists Alex Iles, Charlie Loper and Rick Culver, altoist Lanny Morgan and the reeds of Kim Richmond, Don Shelton and Bob Efford (along with the pianist/leader), Florence's dense and often-witty ensembles alternate with fine improvisations. Highlights of this consistently exciting set include "Slimehouse" (based on "Limehouse Blues"), "Funupsmanship," "Lester Left Town" and "All Blues." -- Scott Yanow