Another Step Forward

This 1969 session is an accomplished debut as a leader for drummer Joe Morello after years as a sideman for Dave Brubeck. "Another Step Forward" achieves a tremendous sound due to the inventive and sophisticated orchestral arrangements of producer Dick Schory. The aptly-titled "Baroque" and "Give Me A Simple Tune" are fresh examples of how strings can provide much more than sweeting to a jazz composition. Fans of a groovy big band sound will flip for the funky call-and-response between the sax and drums on "I Don't Know" and the bold brass of "Not Too Fast". The highlight of this session for percussion fans will no doubt be Morello's powerful extended drum solo on "Timeless".