Vince Mendoza - Instructions Inside (1991)

Arranger Vince Mendoza combined together many disparate elements and voices into a unified music on this CD, which manages to be both commercial and artistically satisfying. Whether it be Bob Mintzer (on tenor and soprano), Joe Lovano (tenor, alto and soprano) or trumpeter Randy Brecker, there is a jazz soloist of note on virtually every track; guitarists John Scofield and Ralph Towner also provide many moments of interest. The Mendoza originals are challenging to the players without being too esoteric to the more casual listener and cover a wide range of moods. Mendoza uses many types of instrumentation, from a 13-piece brass-filled ensemble on "Jung Parade" to the solo piano of Gloria Cheng on "Hearts In Paris." This stimulating and consistently surprising release is well worth checking out.