Don Rader is an experienced, much-traveled Musician of international reputation. Whether arranging or composing, blowing trumpet or flugelhorn, playing lead or improvising a solo he invariably reveals an exceptional and assured talent. In an airy context such as that of this set, there is obviously more space for such a player to stretch his wings and take off, especially when he has the sympathetic support of that accomplished guitarist, Ron Eschete, of bassist Kevin Brandon and drummer John Perett. On this occasion all four men were clearly in fine fettle, relaxed, and confident of one another’s ability. All in all, this album is a witness to a tour de force at the Great American Music Hall on the night of July 10, 1980. -Stanley Dance
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