This OKC quintet features Benson's well-deep vocals that ooze sex appeal. His cover of "Mercy Mercy Me" inspired an impromptu 7-sister dance line in the audience. Larry Banks (sax/flute) repeatedly stole the show with one amazing solo after another. Finesse is his forte. If he honks we didn't hear it that night.

Barrie Lee Hall Jr. and the Duke Ellington Small Band

Nothing small about their sound, they were a tower of power with 2 trumpets, baritone sax, alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, piano, upright bass and drums. Their full, rich musicality gave true depth to Ellington's standards such as "Do Nothing 'Til you Hear From Me." Oklahoma wind played hell with their sheet music, but there were few miscues. One shimmering clarinet solo soared and hung in the air with miraculous intensity. The show closed with a number made famous by an incredible Ben Webster solo (tenor sax) many moons ago with its jiving eight-note phrases and torrid timbre. They played "Cottontail," then like energizer bunnies, disappeared into the night.