" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Brookmeyer's use of it in the 1950s to bring together music and musicians from the big band era and the small group "cool" and "West Coast" jazz of which Brookmeyer was one of the progenitors (cf. Bob Brookmeyer: Mosaic Select 9, Mosaic Records, 2004). More than a few decades later, Philly-based saxophonist Chris Oatts, having established himself as one of the finest players of his generation, has been following Brookmeyer's path by adding serious composing and arranging to his craftsman-like approach to his instrument.

In this set at Chris' Jazz Caf��, Oatts brought together some of his outstanding cohorts to perform his own nonet arrangements of some popular standards. a couple of iconic jazz pieces, and one composition of his own. His arrangements make the maximum use of the nine-member ensemble. They swing, shout, and excite like the big bands. They have nuances and resilience only possible in a somewhat downsized ensemble, and the solos fit in much better than in a big band, arising out of the band rather than standing out in the crowd. Oatts has achieved all these objectives, and on this occasion in the hands of some great musicians, the result was a delight to hear.

The action began with