Butch Miles, the longtime drummer of the Count Basie Orchestra, leads a hard bop-oriented session on the Nagel Heyer CD Straight on Till Morning. Although Miles is most associated with modern swing, this set is a bit more up-to-date while swinging hard. Trumpeter Bob Ojeda arranged eight of the 11 selections and contributed six originals. Doug Lawrence takes some fine tenor solos, trombonist Bill Porter displays some inventive ideas, pianist Kenny Drew, Jr. plays some powerful improvisations, and Lynn Seaton's bowed bass solos are a highlight. Alex Saudargas guests on classical guitar during "Dreamsville" while Frank Wess is on one song. With Miles pushing everyone, this is a frequently exciting set full of subtle surprises, including a humorous boppish reworking of "When You Wish Upon a Star.“ AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
1. Hangover Blues 03:45
2. Another Drum Thing 04:56
3. Frank's Blues 04:22
4. Cute 03:51
5. Dreamsville 07:18
6. When You Wish Upon a Star 06:45
7. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing 08:14
8. Quick Fix 03:20
9. After Hours 05:51
10. Outside Inn 05:57
11. I'm Leavin' 04:09
Butch Miles - drums
Bob Ojeda - trumpet
Bill Porter - trombone
Doug Lawrence - tenor sax
Kenny Drew Jr. - piano
Lynn Seaton - bass
plus
Frank Wess - tenor sax, flute
Alex Saudargas - guitar
Recorded on January 3 and 4, 2003 at Pedernales Studio, Texas.
