Although
the Danish Radio Big Band appears on this CD, the main soloist is bassist
Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen.
NHOP, who was the regular bassist with the group during 1964-82, appears as the lead soloist on every selection while
Thomas Ovesen plays bass with the ensembles. This unusual situation (bass with orchestra) has the potential for boredom but Pedersen's creative and virtuosic playing, a fair amount of variety in the generally straightahead repertoire and the high musicianship of the big band holds one's interest. Tenor saxophonist
Bob Rockwell gets featured in a few spots while the traditional folk song "O, Tysta Ensambet" is a duet by
NHOP and pianist
Ole Koch Hansen, the orchestra's conductor. This CD is worth exploring.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi