With Malice Toward None

They Say...

Review by Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Tom McIntosh has widely been heralded for his abilities as a jazz composer and arranger, yet the trombonist did not make his recording debut as a leader until he was 76 years old. Fans of his superb writing will be delighted with all nine tracks on this IPO CD, not only due to the all-star cast with Kenny Barron, Roger Kellaway, James Moody, Benny Golson, Richard Davis, and the talented young vibraphonist Stefon Harris, but also because of the delightful interaction between the musicians as they tackle his imaginative charts. A brisk arrangement of McIntosh's "The Cup Bearers" kicks off the session with a flourish. "Ruptures in the Rapture" is an unusual extended piece, initially connecting unrelated fragments of several standards before evolving into a complex hard bop setting. "Minor Consolation" is a soothing ballad featuring Moody's lyrical flute and Harris' tasty vibes. The upbeat "With Malice Toward None" has a gospel flavor, showcasing Golson's tenor sax and pianist Helen Sung. McIntosh also delves into standards. The romping take of "Billie's Bounce" employs both Kellaway and Barron on twin pianos, joined by Davis and drummer Ben Perowsky. The sign-off is a richly textured duet of "Long Ago and Far Away," with Sung at the piano and Davis playing arco bass. It's a pity that it took so long for Tom McIntosh to get this opportunity to lead a date of his own, but his many contributions as an arranger and composer since he debuted with John Lewis in 1959 assure him of his legacy, though a follow-up recording to this outstanding CD is very much in order.