The Trumpet Album

This two-LP set (which was put out by Arista in 1979) matches together a pair of unusual sessions that were arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins. In both cases Wilkins utilizes five trumpeters (all of whom get to solo) and a rhythm section. The first date has Shorty Baker, Emmett Berry, Art Farmer, Ernie Royal and Charlie Shavers while the second features Donald Byrd, Ray Copeland, Idrees Sulieman, Joe Wilder and Royal again. The music is essentially swing- and bop-oriented and no real innovations occur but since several of the brassmen did not have that many opportunities to be featured during this era, this is a valuable (if out-of-print) set.