Section 8 is a five-piece saxophone band loosely based on the famous Los Angeles ‘Super Sax’ band that covered the music of Charlie Parker. This east-coast version was conceived by Dave D’Angelo and is manned by his former band mates. All of the saxophonists heard are Buddy Rich Big Band alumni. The harmonization of two altos, two tenors and a baritone saxophone is a formula for a hard-hitting session. The last time these saxophonists worked together was for their reunion recording in the Burning For Buddy series (Atlantic 1994). The disc opens with tenors Walt Weiskopf and Steve Marcus mixing it up with true tenor madness. Weiskopf has been a perennial musician’s choice for talent deserving wider recognition and Marcus has collaborated with Gary Burton and Stan Kenton. Altoists Andy Fusco and Dave D’Angelo close the disc on the burning D’Angelo original. The former sounding like Jackie McLean, the latter a bit smoother, like Frank Morgan. While the bottom end is covered by Jack Stuckey, the entire project works thanks to a deft rhythm section. Steve Davis and Phil Palombi (remember the name) drive the band at a feverish pace. Section Eight answers the question: what are all those swinging cats from the late Buddy Rich’s band up to since the greatest big band drummer left this planet? They are still hittin’ hard.

Track List:In Your Dreams; Vitamin C; You Won’t Forget Me; Six Ad Four; Fancy Free; Lazy Afternoon; All My Tomorrows; In A Minute.