Montauk-the easternmost point of Long Island-has enjoyed a reputation as an idyllic land of the lotus and poppy but now is fully woven in to the Hamptons summer scene. The charms and views associated with that coastal existence served as a backdrop for the creation of this recording. Notable for a number of reasons-as the first live band date in a lengthy discography, and a first on-record meeting with drumming icon Billy Hart-this O'Connell session stands out. Recorded live at the Hamptons Jazz Fest, with an outfit of top-flight artists including saxophonist Craig Handy and bassist Santi Debriano, the performance was further heightened by the appearance of ebullient trumpeter Randy Brecker and the enthusiasm of attentive and engaged listeners. "Playing live brings out different things in each musician," observes O'Connell. "So I was very happy to do this and I think it was a great night with everybody on their A-game."
