Lost 1974 Sessions

Personnel: Zoot Sims (saxophone); Bobby Hackett (cornet); Urbie Green (trombone); Hank Jones (piano); Peter Appleyard (vibraphone); Mel Lewis (drums).
Audio Mixer: Anthony Montano.
Liner Note Author: Peter Appleyard.
Recording information: RCA Studios, Toronto (09/14/1974).
Peter Appleyard and the Jazz Giants' The Lost 1974 Sessions features the British/Canadian vibraphonist backed by members of Benny Goodman's sextet at the time. Having played a show at the Ontario Place Forum with Goodman, Appleyard booked the ensemble for a recording session figuring, quite rightly, that the chance might not come around again. Featured here is truly an all-star cast of swingers including pianist Hank Jones, bassist Slam Stewart, tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, trombonist Urbie Green, cornetist Bobby Hackett, and drummer Mel Lewis. Primarily sticking to standards, as well as a superb medley of Duke Ellington compositions, the Giants delivered an ad hoc, inspired and swinging performance that was somehow lost to time for over 30 years. Also included here are in-studio dialogue clips between the musicians and the engineer, which adds to the overall sense of being right there in the studio with the once-in-a-lifetime ensemble. ~ Matt Collar