Gerald Wilson Orchestra: On Stage, 1965

Gerald Wilson always blows me away with his arrangements, both for his sound and how effective he is at writing for his musicians. Everything on this album is great, but I was especially impressed with the version of Ellington's El Viti and Anthony Ortega's (I think it was him) solo on it. Tons of amazing musicians in Wilson's orchestra, especially around this period. Personnel on Los Moros de España, Musette, Lighthouse Blues and Perdido:

Trumpets: Al Porcino, Jules Chaikin, Freddie Hilll, Nat Meeks, Mel Moore and Gerald Wilson

Trombones: Bob Edmondson, Les Robertson, John Ewing and Don Switzer

Reeds: Teddy Edwards, Harold Land, Curtis Amy, Jack Nimitz and Anthony Ortega

Piano: Phil Moore Jr.

Guitar: Joe Pass

Vibes: Roy Ayers

Bass: Herbie Lewis

Drums: Chuck Carter

Recorded on January 13th, 1965 at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, Calif.

Personnel on Who Can I Turn To, In the Limelight, El Viti, Ricardo and Lately:

Trumpets: Jules Chaikin, Bobby Bryant, Freddie Hilll, Nat Meeks, Mel Moore and Gerald Wilson

Trombones: Bob Edmondson, Les Robertson, John Ewing and Earnie Tack

Organ and piano: Jack Wilson

Piano: Phil Moore Jr.

Guitar: Joe Pass

Vibes: Roy Ayers

Bass: Victor Gaskin

Drums: Chuck Carter

Reeds and flutes: Bud Shank, Anthony Ortega, Teddy Edwards, Harold Land and Jack Nimitz

Recorded on March 10th, 1965 at Pacific Jazz Studios, Hollywood, Calif.