Eddie Daniels - Breakthrough (1986)

This classic recording is a breakthrough in several ways. One of the most successful of all "third stream" efforts, the arrangements by Jorge Calandrelli, Torrie Zito, and Nan Schwartz for the London Philharmonia Orchestra are a superior blend of aspects of jazz and classical music. This album (reissued on CD) was also a major breakthrough for clarinetist Eddie Daniels who finally became a major name. Daniels proved that (with the possible exception of Buddy DeFranco) he was on a higher level than any other clarinetist of the post-swing era. He effortlessly switches back and forth between rapid classical music passages and inventive jazz on "Solfeggietto/ Metamorphosis" and easily holds one's interest througout Calandrelli's 22-minute three-part "Concerto for Jazz Clarinet and Orchestra." To call Eddie Daniels' playing "brilliant" on this release would be an understatement. Essential music.