Al Grey - The Last of the Big Plungers (2011)

These two albums, under the leadership of trombonist Al Grey, were recorded while he was a member of Count Basies band. With the exception of the pianists, the men assembled to play in these sessions were all well known Basie-ites. All the charts share a spare, functional approach ideal for the three brass-two saxes instrumentation. The arrangements delve cleanly and right to the heart of swinging. Grey, famed for his plunger mute work, plays vigorously and inventively.

Both groupsan octet and a nonetdisplay that warm, moving blues feeling that characterized the Basie band, with all the soloists blowing with sure-footed intensity alongside the tastefully swinging leader.