Return To Happiness: Jazz At The Philharmonic, Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo, 1983

by Scott Yanow To commemorate the 30th anniversary of JATP's first visit to Japan, producer Norman Granz put together a new Jazz at the Philharmonic show in 1983. Many of the earlier players were either no longer around or unavailable but Granz was able to gather a pretty strong all-star crew (Harry "Sweets" Edison and Clark Terry on trumpets, Zoot Sims and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis on tenors, trombonists J.J. Johnson and Al Grey, pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Louie Bellson) for what would be JATP's final tour. This two-CD set starts off with the all-stars jamming on three lengthy tunes. Each of the horns are also showcased on two short ballads apiece (which by itself totals 33 minutes). The Oscar Peterson Quartet and Ella Fitzgerald both have fine mini-sets and the proceedings conclude with Fitzgerald scatting with the horns on "Flying Home." Although the music does not reach the heights of JATP's '50s performances, this is a well-conceived, enjoyable and now somewhat nostalgic set.