My review copy is a “white label” copy sent to the Jazz Mann by tenor saxophonist Frank Griffith who appears on the album and composed three of its twelve tracks. I understand that the album has been released by Vocalion Records under the catalogue number listed above.

The Pete Cater Big Band has built up a very good reputation during its ten-year existence and many fine players have passed through its ranks. “The Right Time” is entirely instrumental but the band has also provided excellent backing for singers such as Sheena Davis.

Cater himself is a powerful, swinging drummer and really drives things forward from the back. His band is packed full of talented soloists and he calls upon some fine arrangers such as Griffith, Adrian Fry and the band’s pianist Matt O’Regan.

The sixteen-man band start as they mean to go on with a swinging version of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” arranged by Kevin Wedrychowski and powered by Cater’s propulsive drumming. The sound they make is BIG. Former NYJO alto saxophonist Sam Mayne delivers a slippery solo. Mayne has been one of the names tipped for big things in 2007. Also notable is Henry Collins’ high register trumpet solo and Cater’s volcanic drum fills.

“Getting There” is written and arranged by the alto saxist Matt Wates, an old friend of the band although he does not appear on this album. This is more relaxed with an easy sense of swing. Pianist Matt O’Regan and tenor man Simon Savage take the solo honours.

Griffith wrote and arranged “Holland Park”, a more adventurous and modern sounding piece with some complex rhythms and a number of twists and turns. The mood remains relaxed and Mayne figures again, alongside the agile trombone of Simon Walker and the warm flugel horn of Collins.

U.S. pianist Cedar Walton’s tune “Firm Roots” ups the tempo. Arranged by trombonist Adrian Fry this features the nimble flugel of Oliver Preece, the smoky tenor of Savage and more dynamic drumming from the leader.

Sammy Cahn’s “Teach Me Tonight” is arranged by Griffith as a feature for his own tender and lyrical tenor saxophone. The rest of the band offer sterling support and frame his playing admirably.

Wayne Shorter’s “Yes And No” is an interesting choice .In Fry’s superb arrangement Griffith and Savage exchange tenor solos and the trombone of Barnaby Dickson is also featured in a rollicking version of this tune.

Horace Silver’s “Strollin’” struts along in relaxed fashion with Mayne on alto and Collins on trumpet again the featured soloists. It all sounds easy and effortless.

An adaptation of Oliver Nelson’s ballad “Lancy Lynn” by Frank Griffith brings Mayne’s alto partner Bob Martin into the spotlight for an incisive but tender solo.

Griffiths’ own “Antonia” is an intriguing composition with a fine arrangement and adds the sound of Bob McKay’s flute and O’Regan’s Fender Rhodes to the bands instrumental palette. There is also some great section playing, and Paul Fawcus on alto and Collins, this time on flugel horn, also feature.

Griffith also penned “Take The Money And Run” which fairly bounces along propelled by Dave Jones’ powerful bass and Cater’s sturdy drumming. Bob Martin on alto and the composer on tenor take the solo honours.

Wayne Shorter’s Weather Report classic “Palladium” from the “Heavy Weather” album in an arrangement by Matt O’Regan is given the funk treatment. O’Regan appears on Fender Rhodes and Jones on electric bass. Liam Kirkman on trombone and Cater himself are featured in this invigorating and enjoyable version of a classic tune.

Finally we enjoy a rumbustious take on Lieber and Stoller’s “On Broadway”. In a swinging arrangement by Clive Dunstall the solo honours are again taken by Kirkman’s dirty and bluesy trombone. Cater’s drums lash the band forward from the rear and once again there is some fine section playing and a rousing climax.

“The Right Time” is an enjoyable album of big band swing with some fine compositions and arrangements from within the ranks of the band and beyond. There is some excellent soloing and a well-balanced programme ensures that the listener’s attention is engaged throughout.

Running a big band isn’t easy and Cater is to be congratulated for his commitment and persistence as well as for the musical achievements heard here.

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