German writer/music critic Siegried Schmidt-Joos described RC&B founder Peter Herbolzheimer’s jazz-feel as “a sackful of soul”. The band offers up a full bag of brassy tricks on their second MPS recording of 1973 (see WAITAMINUTE). The amphibian in Frog Dance was definitely Latin, as the piece gets a jolt with an electrifying solo by trumpeter Mikkelborg. With a bold and brassy arrangement and soulful solos, That Old Bus Smell reeks of funk, whereas Babo takes the fusion trail with trombonist Jiggs Whigham going electric. There’s the Horace Silver classic Nica’s Dream, the warm Latin of Like a Soft Breeze with jazz giant Art Farmer’s breathless solo, as well as the hard-driving pulse of Blue Dervish swirling around powerful piano and soprano solos. The Dolphyesque melody of Cats stretches into swinging jazz punctuated by Van Rooyen’s and Reith’s hip solos, whereas Philip Catherine’s overpowering guitar solo steals the spotlight on Hi-Jack. Peter once commented that he made music for the stomach as well as the head. Wide Open offers up a full course with all the trimmings – luscious arrangements, a vibrant rhythmic foundation, and heady solos. RC&B at its brassy best.