Description

This release is the first of a series of recordings by Chuck Israels and the National Jazz Ensemble (NJE) in the ‘Legends’ Series. This album documents the NJE’s performance of the February 2nd, 1977 concert at the New School in NYC. In its third year of existence at the time, the NJE usually sold out on the road and had good crowds at the New School, however the NJE never sold out in New York until Gerry Mulligan was the guest soloist. Gerry had made himself scarce over the previous decade and everyone in attendance understood the importance of the event. There were lines around the block. There were enough people on line to fill a second show.