Buddy Childers Big Band - Just Buddy's (2000)

Recorded at Universal Recording Corp., Chicago,IL November 12 & 19, 1983, January 31, 1984, and February 7, 1984.
Review by David R. Adler
These big-band sessions featuring the longtime Stan Kenton trumpeter were recorded back in 1983 and 1984 and finally released in 2000. Although there's a pedestrian quality to the record overall, the band swings and the arrangements are quite good. It's a pleasant listen. Childers is expressive and technically adept on trumpet and flügelhorn, and saxophonist Mike Smith also contributes a number of fine solos. Highlights include the sectional interplay on "Looking up Old Friends" and "Arriving Soon," the slow, deep-pocketed groove of "The Underdog Has Arisen," the "Black Narcissus"-like vibe of "What the Hell," and the retro-funky bossa nova of "Crimp Cut." Bassist Larry Gray, guitarist Steve Roberts, and tenor saxophonist Peter Ballin all get their licks in on the closer, "Off Broadway," based on the changes of the standard "Broadway."