Soliloquy, Vols. 1-2

Eight different overlapping groups are featured on this double CD, all of which have Jim Schapperoew on drums. Most of the selections were recorded live and the sound quality is generally just so-so with plenty of distortion and a bootleg quality about the music. Many all-stars make appearances but few make strong impressions, unfortunately. Two numbers have vibraphonist Bryan Carrott and trombonist Frank Lacy in a sextet, altoist Frank Strozier is showcased in a quartet on four selections, altoist Bob Mover is featured on "Love Letters," and a slow "Lover Man" has pianist Charles Farrell in the spotlight. An all-star group with tenor saxophonist George Coleman and pianist Tommy Flanagan performs an overlong 18-minute version of "Wave" and a pair of trios with guitarist Mike Coppola takes three songs. The final 19-and-a-half-minute "Invitation" has spots for Strozier, vibraphonist Warren Chiasson, trombonist Art Baron, and Clifford Jordan on tenor, but the recording quality takes away from the music. So, overall, this two-fer promises more than it delivers and it is of more historic than musical value.