"Quincy Jones has had such strong success in pop music since the mid-1960s that it is easy to forget just how inventive and distinctive a jazz arranger he was during his prime years. This CD reissue features the Quincy Jones Big Band shortly before they sailed to Europe. Surprisingly, none of the selections are Jones originals, and the arrangements were provided by Ernie Wilkins, Bill Potts, Al Cohn and Ralph Burns. Despite Jones' absence musically (he did conduct the group), the music sounds very much like his work. With such fine soloists as altoist Phil Woods, tenorman Budd Johnson, Les Spann on guitar and flute, Julius Watkins on French horn (on "Everybody's Blues"), trumpeter Art Farmer and two guest spots for trumpeter Lee Morgan, the music (highlighted by "Lester Leaps In," "Cherokee" and "Air Mail Special") featured a top-notch bop-oriented big band."
============================
"Quincy Jones' original big band toured Europe under stressful conditions in 1960 before returning home. In 1961, they returned for a tour, and although the personnel had changed a bit, it was still a mighty orchestra. This Japanese LP (which contains music from a Zurich, Switzerland concert) has six selections, including a 13-minute version of "Stolen Moments" and a nearly nine-minute Phil Woods original, "Banjaluka," along with four shorter pieces. Among the key soloists are trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dixon and Budd Johnson on tenors, altoist Woods, trumpeter Benny Bailey (featured on "Moanin'") and trombonist Curtis Fuller. Fine straight-ahead music from a short-lived but significant jazz orchestra."
by Scott Yanow -All Music Guide