Bill Berry

Bill Berry's swingin' horn was part of the Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestras during the 1950s and '60s. Large ensembles had a hard time during those years, but Berry continued to fight the good fight with his own L.A. Big Band throughout the '70s. His solo albums -- mostly small group affairs -- are a real treat, featuring distinguished company like Marshall Royal, Dave Frishberg, and Bill Watrous.