Horns Aplenty
by Betty O'Hara

From CaptainPain 06/21/2026 12:03 | #314998

Label: Delmark Records.
Recording date: June 19–20, 1985.
Recording venue: Music Lab, Hollywood, California
Betty O'Hara performed in several roles at once: she played the trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn and euphonium (sometimes overlapping the parts, creating duos). The recording also featured:
Johnny Varro (piano);
Morty Korb (bass);
Gene Estes (drums and vibraphone).
The title perfectly reflects the essence: O'Hara is the center of attention here as an instrumentalist. Critics have noted that although she has both hard-bop and pre-bop in her arsenal, she emphasizes swing on this album. At the same time, the instrumental parts are not only full of rhythmic energy, but also lyrical and melodic.
Her vocals are also praised. In the tracks Stardust and If Dreams Come True, her singing style resembles that of Peggy Lee, which adds to the album's appeal.
Betty O'Hara is sometimes referred to as "one of the well-kept secrets of jazz." As a talented improviser and arranger, she has not received as much recognition as some of her peers, although she has been a prominent figure. She has been involved in the all-female big band Maiden Voyage and has served as the co-leader of the all-female quintet Jazz Birds.