There's "easy listening", that schlocky musical oatmeal that assaults the sensibilities of musicians worldwide, and then there are the luscious and moody arrangements found on "Gold and Silk" by Ray Wright.  These beautiful settings sparkle with sensitive and powerful playing by period stalwarts Doc Severinsen on trumpet, Jimmy Chambers on French Horn, Will Bradley on trombone and of course, Don Butterfield on tuba.
 
As far as I know, this is the first ever recording featuring solo tuba with strings in a commercial setting.  Frankly, I was never a huge fan of Don Butterfield, but quite simply, he plays his ass off on the three feature tunes on this album.  Unless you're a truly insecure individual, I think you'll agree wholeheartedly.
 
And Doc Severinsen!  Man, you can hear the studio walls shake as he turns his incredible chops loose! This album is a real find for all brass players! You definitely should have this one in your collection.