Romanian born trombonist, composer/arranger Peter Herbolzheimer led one of the most innovative, successful European big bands, Rhythm Combination & Brass. Composed of international stars, the band zeroed in on a big brassy sound, usually incorporating a single reed player – the great saxophonist Herb Geller. Recorded in early 1973, the album exemplifies RC&B’s playing during its early innovative period, when blues, gospel, bop and rock dominated. The lushly orchestrated Waitaminute features stellar solos by Geller on flute and Danish trumpet great Palle Mikkelberg before the music ascends into collective improvisation and a return to the theme. The earthy rock of Mr. Clean underpins passionate solos by two Dutch stars, Ferdinand Povel on soprano sax, and Ack Van Rooyen on flugelhorn. American trumpeter Rick Kiefer tenderly handles the theme of Ballad of the Sad Young before it morphs into rousing Latin. The dark-colored, hard-rocking Green Witch features spellbinding solos by Pavel on tenor, guitarist Siggi Schwab, and e-pianist Horst Mühlbradt. Dieter Reith’s organ dominates the exotic Wild Chick, while Jiggs Wigham’s plaintive trombone ponders The Meaning of the Blues. On the hard-swinging Modus Vivendi Danish bass great Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen takes an exemplary solo followed by Van Royen’s trumpet. The last piece defines jazz: “a way of life”. With RC&B, what a good life it is!