CiTR

This was the final album of saxophonist John Handy's contract with Columbia Records and it's a gem. Recorded by his new band called "The John Handy Concert Ensemble" in April of 1968. The music is varied, innovative and dramatic. Handy plays his alto saxophone and the saxello (a soprano saxophone variant) and the flute here with the late Michael White on violin, Mike Nock on piano, Bruce Cale on bass and the late Larry Hancock on drums. Compositions are 4 by John Handy, 3 by Mike Nock and 1 by Michael White. A rich and varied album that is often overlooked. Tonight we celebrate John Handy's 87th Birthday. He is alive and healthy in Oakland and still performs occasionally. Happy Birthday old friend!