Gerald Wilson gained his first big band experience with Jimmie Lunceford between 1939 and 1942. He was the leader of a West Coast big band himself from 1944 till 1947. From then on he was primarily active behind the scenes: as composer and arranger for Ellington, Basie and Gillespie but also for film and music studios, Las Vegas shows and pop stars.
After nearly fifteen years of just writing for other people he wanted to be his own man again: composing without concessions and bringing those pieces into the limelight with his own orchestra. You Better Believe It (1961) and Moment Of Truth (1962) were the first results of this striving for autonomy.
1. Groovin’ High (Gillespie) 3:06
CD: The Chronological Gerald Wilson and his Orchestra 1945-1946
Classics 976
2. Cruisin’ with Cab (Gerald Wilson) 3:10
CD: idem
3. Blues for Yna Yna (Gerald Wilson) 6:49
CD: The Complete Pacific Jazz Recordings of Gerald Wilson and his Orchestra
Mosaic MD5-198
4. Jeri (Gerald Wilson) 3:41
CD: idem
5. Teri (Gerald Wilson) 2:53
CD: idem
6. Patterns (Gerald Wilson) 5:54
CD: idem
