Trumpeter
Maynard Ferguson
cut back on his big band around the time he recorded
Body & Soul
, utilizing an 11-piece group with six horns and an expanded rhythm section. Best known among his sidemen is tenor-saxophonist
Rick Margitza
.
Ferguson
uses electronics on some of the selections and swings a bit on "Body & Soul." In addition to
Margitza
, other soloists include guitarist
Michael Higgins
, altoist
Tim Ries
, and keyboardist
Todd Carlon
. The music is pleasing but not all that memorable, although
's mastery of his upper register remains quite impressive. [
was re-released on CD in 2016.] ~ Scott Yanow