It’s been said more than once that if you can name it, the trombone of Will Bradley will play it, and in your favorite musical style. It is no wonder that Will Bradley, who has played alongside such greats as Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey, is considered by many musicians as the “top trombone of them all.” In this album, the first of a series, Will leads his Jazz Octet in a session of crisp, inspired ensemble playing, brim full of thoughtful improvisation. The all-star combo starts jumping right from the start, in the provocative Ridin’ A Riff where every one of the talented sidemen adds his bit to the proceedings. Lonely Night, up next, contains some calm, reflective phrases, that are enriched by a melodic inventiveness. Fox trot turns to soft shoe and the shuffle rhythms of Nimble Feet, an ingratiating melody that recalls the days when “hoofers” headlined the great vaudeville houses of our land. Then, the blues takes the spotlight with a melody written by the immortal ‘Fats’ Waller that finds Billy Butterfield tackling the title trumpet role… When Gabriel Blows His Horn. The swinger, Midnight Special, closes the side, as the boys jump aboard a wailing express that seems headed for no terminal in particular, but just riding the rails at a fast and furious clip. Will and the boys return with some supercharged versatility as they stamp out the heel-and-toe beat of a Silver Dollar Polka, to open the flip side. Following that, the engrossing Winter Time, proves that Will’s trombone tone was never fuller or warmer, as his crystal-clear solo chorus floats lightly through the charming melody. In Lady From Castile the Octet turns to some tango trickery with a sensual and exciting south-of-the-border flair, that has Stan Freeman chalking up some bright business at the keyboard. The boys continue on the bright beam with one of their specialties... Dixieland. This free style fling is called, Go Way, Love, Go Way. With the Dixie track as a stimulant, the Octet closes on a note of controlled hysteria – a rhythm pounding boogie-woogie beat aptly monikered Hysterical Boogie. The Will Bradley Jazz Octet: Billy Butterfield, trumpet; Will Bradley, trombone; Sal Amato and Paul Ricci, reeds; Stan Freeman, piano; Tony Mottola, guitar; Chubby Jackson, bass; Terry Snyder, drums.