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LARS SAMUELSON ORCHESTRA: HET SOMMAR: Four Leaf Clover FLCCD 168. Your contact with the label, click here. Whether they go for big band swing, contemporary, avante-garde, funk or whatever, these excellent Continental bands, almost without exception produce outstanding performances. This particular band is no exception, actually, with the much appreciated ommission of avante-garde, this band moves seamlessy from one genre to another, with mostly original material so expect a muscular reference to Goodman, a nod in the the direction of Woody or perhaps wander to the edge a la McNeeley or Brookmeyer. I suppose if you are a dedicated follower of a particular style you may have to stop and re-group but if you just appreciate good arranging and a great performance you can go with the flow and enjoy this album.

THE VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA - THAD JONES LEGACY. New World Records 80581-2. Website, click here. I know this particular New York Big Band was conceived to continue the legacy and I appreciate that it has been doing so for some years. Quite often when the main ingredient of a group such as this is no longer with us, even with consummate musicians, even when they featured in the original band it seldom sounds the same. The magic has gone, often the band drifts into an obscurity functioning as a decent regional band with occasional tours and a reasonable level of support. Well here we an an exception, this is a wonderful compact disc. Even though the titles are well know, they spring to vibrant life through the superb performances of John Riley on drums, John Mosca on trombone, Jim McNeely on piano, Dick Oatts on on alto and soprano. I have seldom been hit with such a sense of occasion as I experienced when I first listened to this recording. I am lost in admiration for the love with which these stellar NY guys create these wonderful sounds.Every performance is a 'stand-out', but I have to mention the unbelievable trombone soloing of Mosca, the way the band effortlessly interprets FINGERS at an unbelievable tempo. the ensemble is perfection. Having said that CENTRAL PARK, QUIET LADY, A- THAT'S FREEDOM and the entire program fizzes. This has to be a must buy for any genuine collector.

WOODY HERMAN ORCHESTRA DIRECTED BY FRANK TIBERI:LIVE IN LONDON AT RONNIE SCOTTS - NYJAM2000. August 1999, engineered by Miles Ashton. We will never hear the like of that marvellous 60's band again, nor will we hear the late forties juggernaut. The new Herd directed by Frank Tiberi pulls no punches at this gig in London. It is loud, energetic and obviously exciting. Apple Honey, Northwest Passage, Opus De Funk and Cousins feature as well as the 'Fanfare for The Common Man', which I understand was not liked by AAron Copeland, and the arranger Gary Anderson was not too fond of. I admit to a problem with Pavanne. Anyhow if you yearn for the frenzy that you think you recall, this CD is for you. There is however. to quote the obvious, an element missing... Woodrow himself! I feel he would have held back just a little.

CLARKE-BOLAND BIG BAND - HANDLE WITH CARE - Koch CD 8534. A grossly over-priced 36 minute CD. A transcription of the original 1962 album. If you bought the album you may have baulked at the 34 minutes of music. Buy the full price CD , 34 minutes out of a possible 77 plus minutes, how do you like them apples!This is the sort of practise that ensures that dealers like me have a hard time explaining that the 'rip-off was a little further back down the line. BUT.... the recording is a classic and you may find yourself buying in spite of your ire. It will be in my personal collection. This European/American big band features Shihab, Bailey,Scott, Deuchar, Sulieman,Perrson and all the CBBB regulars. It is a gutsy, free-wheeling, swinging experience that few could emulate in those days and even fewer now. I hope that they dig deeper into the Clarke-Boland archives and resurrect more --- BUT not at those prices! I have stock . I have tried to keep price low. I hope all dealers and ditributors do what I have done, that is remind Koch about the real world.

BIG BAND BOW-TIE 'JUST FOR THE RECORD:Featuring Karl Farrant, Fauzia Maria Beg and Alan Heiler. CIC Records CK0039. A German Big Band. Sunny Moon Records should be your contact. There is a web address I don't have it at the moment. I have no idea how the band name was inspired. It led me to mistakenly believe that I was to hear a society big band, playing polite dance music. Not so... this is a very good big band that is obviously capable of very enjoyable live performances. Once you get use to the 'concert hall' ambience you can settle own to enjoying the music. One thing I did notice was that the band was really at its best with the latin tracks, the drummer and percussionist kept up a highly contagious intensity which lifted the band to dizzy heights. A CD that should be watched for. As with most the CDs reviewed I am hopeful of getting copies for my catalogue.

MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY JAZZ BAND 1969-1984: NIGHT AND DAY and EASY TO LOVE: The last twoCDs were directed by Randall Reyman. Website address: click here. In the very early seventies I struck up an accord with the late Roger Scheuller a.k.a. 'The Coach'. He kept me supplied with LPs by his outstanding jazz ensemble. I have to admit that it was exposure to this sort of excellence was instrumental in my extensive research of of American university jazz programs. The LPs have long since been spirited away and I have not heard them for years. Millikin University in Decatur Illinois decided to reprise those performances on a compilation CD (1969-1984). Mr. Scheuller had a special relationship with Bill Holman as I recall. The LPs featured a lot of his music. On this particular CD, as well as Holman there is music by Don Rader, Pete Christleib, Alan Broadbent and Don Menza. It was such a joy for me to hear the opening bars on this lovely CD, 'Introduction To An Ending' by Holman if you must know. R.S. was a severe task master for whom mediocrity was definately not an option. This is something I became aware of many years ago. This is a brilliant jazz big band, dedicated to the best swinging big band jazz arrangements available at the time. I would recommend it highly to any genuine big band fan. I do not wish to appear to be dismissive of the other two CDs by tagging on a mention after the compilation, so forgive me if it appears that way. Each CD is around 40 minutes in length and recorded between 1995 and 1998. The music reflects mostly work by contemporary writers and occasional nods in the direction of Ellington etc. You are tempted to compare them with the compilation CD, this is not fair to the musicians involved. However, when someone tried to re-create the Don Ellis band with the same musicians someone said that they could not replace Don Ellis an essential element. There may be a little of that with the band at Millikin. The precosity and elan under the direction of the Coach is not quite repeated on the later CDs. having said that they are worth exploring.

GOP:SIENNA JAZZ BIG BAND (ITALY): Conductor Klauss Lessman. Website click here. This is the debut CD of this school based big band. The ensemble was recorded in the afternoons to ensure that the ensemble was good enough and the solos were added later. The director reminded me that it was an amateur band and not to expect too much! In fact this is an enjoyable CD featuring transcriptions of classic Ellington and Basie material by the leader. I don't know whether I have said it here but directors should be aware of their group's limitations and select the material accordingly. People can be very unkind and be given a misconception of a band's ability or a school's program. However hard you try, copies invariably go beyond the circle of friends into the hands of cynics like me! Those involved can be hurt or embarrassed by their view of their efforts and perhaps undeserved unkind commentary by others. This CD cannot be criticised this way. It has a feel of the Cotton Club, some great reminders of the music of the thirties and beyond. This is a laudable project and deserves support. I know the next CD will be even better as the group gain more experience of the discipline of recording. They now know that what may be exciting in the concert hall, when heard without the visual impact is very, very different.

NEW YORK STATE OF THE ART JAZZ ENSEMBLE - EXPLOSION -directed by Mike Longo who also plays piano on the session. CAP 945 Creative Artists Productions, 200 Riverside Drive, Suite 11D, New York. NY 10025. New York's finest seem to have gathered for a very worthwhile 'kicks' band. The band includes Joe Shepley, Burt Collins, Virgil Jones, Greg Gisbert, Senneca Black on trumpets : Wayne Andre, Sam Burtis, Bob Suttman, Jonothan Greenberg on Trombones : Bob Magnusson, Lee Green, Frank Perowsky, Bob Curtis, Frank Basile and Matt Snyder on woodwinds: Darryll Pelegrini - Drums, Adam Rafferty - Guitar, Lynne Christie and Cameron Brown - Bass. 'Sate Of the Art Jazz Ensemble' may suggest to some that there must be a reason for it not being a big band or that it's vocabulary is a mite inaccessible. Not so my friends. Basically a straight ahead big band, sort of reminiscent of the great 50-60s Quincy Jones Big Band, style not arrangements by the way. The basic concept was to "bring the intimacy of the small jazz ensemble to the music" but "utilizing the colours and textures of the big band". And it was so! If you have a jazz specialist in your area (USA) you may get stocks. I am working on it in the UK!

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 'SWINGING IT LIVE' . Director Ronald Carter. This excellent big band collected accolades by the bag-full some years ago under the stewardship of Ron Modell. Ron has been retired now for a few years and is, I believe, still active.E-mail the present incumbant Ronald Carter here for information on obtaining copies. I may have mentioned before that a number of American Universities are able to produce razor sharp ensembles that reveal some significant immaturity when the soloists are revaled. Rather like bringing in a bottle of Jack Daniels and giving you a glass of diet Coke! This is a live un-edited performance from 1998. One school, and there are others, that gets the balance correct is the NIU. The music scans from jelly Roll Morton to through to Thad Jones, calling in on the ubiquitous Sammy Nestico, Matt Harris, Mike Crotty (more people should be using this guy), Lou Fischer, Mark Taylor and more. An excellent entertainment. I am particularly fond of Jaxon Stock's Black Bottom Stomp. Apart from anything else, because it shows that the school is mindful of the history of jazz and it's importance when teaching young musicians whatever their horizons are.

 

WDR BIG BAND PLAYS THE MUSIC OF BILL DOBBINS AND PETER ERSKINE - PRISM. Advance Music 2000011. Visit the website here. E-mail label here. The WDR BIG BAND is from Cologne and has the benefit of being employed by the Westdeutscher Rundfunk and so playing and rehearsing most days.Being employed by a radio station means it has to be all things to all people, playing music of such diverse styles that it could be forgiven for mechanically reproducing the notes on demand. Not so the WDR group! In every situation I have heard it, it has performed with the spirit that the music demands, from this majestic 'stream of conciousness' writing to swing era reproductions. The music on this recording has been created by drummer Peter Erskine and arranger Bill Dobbins. saying that it is cliche-free would perhaps disturb and discourage would-be listeners. It is highly articulate, imaginatively conceived and superbly interpreted by some great musicians. Highly charged and emotional studies of every mood from ethereal to sheer joy and excitement. One of the beauties of the album is that I believe all the music can be purchased from Advance. make no mistake this is a very special album, thinking man's big band jazz! I have copies now.

SAXOLOGY - FEATURING BOB MINTZER (AD 9609002)/FEATURING JERRY BERGONZY (AD 9408001). Trust me this is a saxophone quintet and rhythm! But you guessed that! The group was formed from the sax section of the brilliant Eastman Jazz Ensemble in !980. Did you ever hear the group Glider they also created from that superb group... WOW. Anyhow that is by the by. Supersax was the inspiration and the original repertoire. Now the library is is state of the art, year 2000 and all that. Cutting edge stuff... as with the WDR band above, much of the music is available from Advance Music. The links are there for you! As well as being very satisfying for the listener. I can recommend these arrangements for study as well as performance.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS - A SALUTE TO BENNY CARTER, THE TWO O'CLOCK BAND DIRECTED BY JIM RIGGS. Klavier KD 77028. In case you don't know the O'Clock business refers to the time of day of rehearsals. The One'Clock band being the flagship of the school of music. Hard to tell the dividing line between these two bands, I suppose a lot of the time it must be sheer numbers. the latter tends to feature more 'in-house' music that is close to, as they say, the cutting edge of the scene. The former seems to see the established writers and arrangers as appopriate at that stage of development. And so we have an excellent trinute CD. One thing I apprectaite is the contextual soloing featured. I find it irritating when whatever setting a band is using, younger soloists perform state of the art solos that have no obvious connection with the original concept of the piece. No such problems here, it swings from the basement up. the website can be viewed via this link to Klavier

AIR EDUCATION & TRAINING COMMAND BAND OF THE WEST. DIMENSIONS IN BLUE JAZZ ENSEMBLE. - 'GENERATIONS'. Rolls off the tongue does it not! two sessions here, one directed by Sammy Nestico and featuring his music. the other featuring the arranging skills of trombonist Senior Airman David L. Bandman. This recording is of course not available commercially but is available for public service broadcasting and for promotional purpuses. As with just about every services band from the USA I have heard, it is as sharp as a tack and the incongruity of seeing these ultra smart guys in uniform blowing so wildly still surprises me. The band is stationed at Lackland Airforce Base in Texas and should they do any promotional work I suggest you go!

SWR BIG BAND FEATURING MAX GREGER 'LIVE'. CIC Records CK00299. Swing era fanatic will find a lot to enjoy within this flawless tribute featuring band-leader saxophonist Greger. This is a muscular performance giving the guest ample opportunity to remind us of his skills. A fair proportion of the regular classics are among the 16 tracks. See the Bob Mintzer feature below for contact with the distributor.

TOM CUNNINGHAM ORCHESTRA/ONE O'CLOCK BOOGIE:TWO O'CLOCK JUMP. TCO 0001. I assume by the catalogue number this is CD 1 by the band. This is one of the most convincing references to the roots of the big bands I have heard. Great tempos for dancing, great swing tunes and played with enthusiasm, played beautifully, excellent solos. The vocalists Robin Cunningham and Julian Hipkins are both 'out of their era'. I have a mental picture of them standing by the mike, no histrionics, with no effort caressing the lyrics into an old fashioned mike. The lady is a ringer for some of the excellent vocalists of the swing era. Great voice production, in tune... so right. You have heard the tunes before but this is an excellent way of hearing them again. If you like to dance or just relax and wallow in memories this is for you. It ain't sentimental it is nostalgia at its most potent. If you have any soul, pester Tom Cunningham for a copy. his e-mail here.

MARK BUSELLI/BRENT WALLARAB JAZZ ORCHESTRA - HAPPENSTANCE. BW19-JO. Website. This is a truly excellent recording. The opening chord on track one somehow promises that there is quality in abundance on this excellent CD. This is a contemporary big band of the highest standard supported by some extraordinarily good arrangemens, all of which can be bought by the way. It does not come in a jewel box but in a card holder, rather like a gate-fold LP. I wish I had the language to do justice to this sophisticated project. I urge you to buy it. Your contact: Mark Buselli .

FRANK REINSHAGEN- BITTER WINE . VH-0397.Website address click here .This CD is enthusiastically endorsed by Bob Brookmeyer, accepted by many as the guru of cutting edge writing and arranging. A listen to the CD will leave you in no doubt why he is pleased to be associated with this excellent performance. Having suggested that the music is at the cutting edge, don't let me put you off. Please have the courage to listen and you will hear some beautifully sculpted arrangements by the leader (I suppose). You will soon find the music very accessible as the logic takes hold. You really don't have to work at it, in fact the swing element in some of the music is dominant. .

S'WONDERFUL, SONGS OF GEORGE GERSHWIN, ETTA CAMERON, BILL RAMSEY AND DEITER REITH WITH THE SWR BIG BAND. Bear Family Records, contact here BCD 16276. An immaculate performance yet again on this vocal album, Just one instrumental Actually the tile of the CD and the name of the band say it all.If you like vocalists, these are among the best.

FRANK FOSTER AND THE SDR BIG BAND: A FRESH TASTE OF THE BLUES. IRS 9993. Another excellent CD by a German Big Band. This time we have the Foster mood and of course very Basie. This is a swinging tour de force with Don Rader and Frank Foster among a bevy of great soloists. Little more to say except that it is worth hunting around for your own copy.. the album is available to dealers via Intercord.Website, click here

SWR BIG BAND : FEATURING BOB MINTZER 'LIVE'.MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON AND BOB MINTZER. CIC Records CK00199. I normally have a problem with Bob Mintzer's music but I have found that, a live performance suddenly exposes a hitherto unnappreciated side of the music to me. Such is the case here. The absolutely excellent SWR Big Band displays the way that these outstanding European bands can move from mood to mood, style to style, effortlessly. !0 tracks, only four are non-Ellington i.e. Runferyerlife,New Mambo, Carla and A Method In The Madness. Caravan, Creole Love Call, Sophisticated Lady, Things Ain't.....,Don't get Around...., and Cottontail fill out the 73 minutes.having planted the thought, there is no doubt that Mintzer did the arrangements, a slightly off centre, 'cutting edge' approach with soloes that complement the source as well as the modern concept, in other words it all comes together beautifully. I do not have a direct contact that would be helpful. I gather that the following fax number in Germany may help:07661 78861

GEORGE GEE AND HIS MAKE BELIEVE BALLROOM ORCHESTRA: SWINGIN' AWAY: ZRT 0720/GEORGE GEE AND THE JUMP JIVE AND WAILERS 'BUDDHA BOOGIE'. SWING 46 RECORDS 003. The second and third CDs I have experienced by this group. I was unable to be too positive about the appeal and quality of the first. Mr. Gee thought that I should hear what I believe are the two latest recordings. The first recording was recorded live at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC in May of 1999. I suspect that the band forgets or does not care about the disciplines associated with a recording session and so "what the blazes, let's have a good time!" There is no doubting this is an atmospheric recording featuring first class arrangements by John Clayton, Goodman, Basie etc. You don't need a university degree to enjoy the CD. Every song is selected with the audience in mind. The songs: Blues For Stephanie, Basie Boogie, Smack Dab, Hoss's Flat and more. Unusually Mr. Gee also aquaints us with the beats per minute of every song so get upand dance! The quality of the performance to my mind is far superior to the aforementioned first recording. If you were borne in the 20's and 30's this could be the CD for you!

The second CD is basically a tentet recorded in a studio in April 1999.. This is for me the better of two good CDs, tight, disciplined and swinging session in the small group Basie style. For enthusiasm and tenacity Mr. Gee can have few equals. The presentation of his recordings is excellent with excellent.` informative liner notes. I have to congratulate Mr. Gee for the gracious way he accepted my original comments and thank him for trusting me with his current projects. Click here to contact George Gee. Visit GG's website here.

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH - JAZZ ENSEMBLE ONE, 1996. Shannon Roberts Director. I had a number of LPs from this University many years ago, when the band as I recall, was in the charge of Henry Wolking and Alan Weight. Henry is still chair of the jazz program. The jazz ensemble always impressed. Again, challenging my aging memory, the music was a might cerebral! Having said that, it was part of my learning to listen, understand and have respect for the fact that I am listening to the results of a teaching situation, an aural yearbook if you will. I think the same applies here. This recording done live in the studio, in eight hours with very little tweaking, really demonstrates that the team is taking care of business. The sleeve notes talk of the composition of the band, the young age and the status of the combatants. It seems to suggest that this programme has a co-operative ethic allowing members to be in control of their activities rather than to be dictated to. Anyhow, the project seems to be the result of enthusiasm and extra (self-inflicted) work. This may not be unusual but certainly it has worked here. Think of the CD as a live concert, imagine an audience that wants to be entertained and not challenged. The music comes from Grammy Award winners Bob Florence and Bill Holman, Don Schamber and the Director Shannon B. Roberts . Titles include Murphy's Law, Taunami, Fly By Knights, Gentle Rain, Malaguena, Rhythm And Blues, Green Flag, Be Bob Treasure Chest and Amazing Grace.This album is very easy to enjoy,happy swinging, brimful of enthusiasm. Great work here. You will have to contact the University for copies. Worth the trouble too.

JAZZ KNIGHTS - UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY BAND, CONDUCTOR KEVIN DEARY. Not as well known as some of the military bands . Somewhat unfortunate really as this album demonstrates that this band should be ignored at your peril. As with other military bands they have to be all things to all people. On this occasion, not a dance band but an excellent JAZZ big band. The music is from the libraries of Basie, Ellington, Holman, Sebesky and more. As ever I have a problem when I see these ultra-smart young men in dazzlingly smart uniforms. the lastr thing I expect is jazz this hot. You Americans are justifiably proud of your excellent service bands. This 'West Point' band deserves to be spoken of with the same reverence you accord to others. Unfortunately this recording is not commercially available... perhaps if you join up! Web-site contact here.

TED HEATH - TWO CLASSIC ALBUMS -BIG BAND PERCUSSION/BIG BAND BASH. Collectors Choice Music CCM 085-2. The times people visited my old store and asked for these albums. Now they are back in print on one CD. They were released in the era of Phase Four Stereo. Stereo was a relatively new experience for many and these albums make full use of the new gimmick. The band is immaculate as ever, the stereo image is impressive and no doubt had people talking about the tweeters and woofers never sounding so good! Anyhow you knew all this! Now you can freshen your library up with this important re-issue.

JIM WIDNER BIG BAND - LIVE - RIDES AGAIN. Chase Music Group CMD8058. The third CD by this wonderful aggregation. The session is stunning. A magical powerful performance featuring outstnding arraangements by Paul McKee,, Kim Richmond, Bill Holman and more. The first track 'Little Gus' should prepare you for what is to come, thrilling threathening, exciting, dynamic, all I can say is WOW!! 'Big Sur' by Kim Richmond pops up here and there but never has the performance been so electrifying as it is here. Gary Hobbs on drums throughout is perfection. .

SAUTER-FINNEGAN; THE BEST OF. Collector's Choice Music CCM 078-2. 20 tracks, to in Stereo. Exotic, imaginative orchestral type arrangements for an extended big band. There is no doubt this music belongs in the libraryof any serious collector. You will not see the like again. No-one who was aware in the 50's could have failed to hear this startling orchestra. I have stock here in the UK.

PETE CHRISTLEIB - FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE :CARS PRODUCTIONS 0040. There seems to be a plethora of recordings at the moment featuring Pete Christleib. This delights me as I that his distinct sound, his phenominal technique his respect for the music puts him head and shoulders above most tenor men around at the moment. Actually, I believe he is around 6'5" anyhow! Having seen him in many settings including, with Bob Florence, Bill Holman, Louie Bellson, with any number of small groups I still marvel at his distinctive 'macho' sound. This CD puts him in the company of Conte Candoli, Andy Martin, Tom Ranier, Jim Hughart, Tom Scott, Ron McCurdy, Ralph Humphries, Anthony Wilson, John Bainbridge. The arrangers are Bill Holman, Edward Karam , Johnny Mandel, Dennis McCarthy and several band members. Pete reminds us here that as well as being one of the most assertive tenor men around he can also interpret a ballad with a lyricism and tenderness that takes your breath away. I will have copies soon or you can visit their website

RENO JAZZ ORCHESTRA 2000: Led by Jack Caudill, who some may know from his association with the late Don Ellis decided Reno needed a big band in 1997. The brief was to have fun, play swinging big band music and at the same time issue a constant reminders that the musicians in this band were the best. Here we have musicians who have played in just about every one of the great big bands and accompanied some of the greatest entertainers. Let's not be big-headed about this" let's swing, not be too cerebral", said Jack. The arrangements are those of Bob Florence, Tom Kubis, Sammy Nestico and Mike Crotty, not the usual charts, but some rarely heard. This is an excellent CD and recommended.I have stock of this item or you can telephone 775 626 6100.

TED HEATH - THE KINGFISHER CASSETTES. Note please that at this time these are cassette only productions. They are from the Australian radio archives. There are tentative plans to commit all or some of them to compact disc eventually. The representative cassettes I have are: STAR 24 a broadcast that charts the history of the band up to 1963 when most of these tapes were made, and introduces the exceptional parade of vocalists who featured with the orchestra up to that time. The continuity is in the hands of Ted Heath with compere and sometime excellent vocalist, the late Paul Carpenter. It is the 750th broadcast celebratory tape, done in England for broadcast in Australia. As there are 'noises off' I suspect that a few of the Star 24 tracks are specially recorded. The source of the rest of the music appears to be BBC archives, plus some older acetates.This is a documentary style broadcast with complete performances intermingled with excerpts to illustrate various sections. The second tape example is catalogued as Tape 3/4, two half hour broadcasts introduced by Alan Dell.

The best performances by the Heath band I have ever heard were on an awful CD that appeared about 7-8 years ago.They were AFRS recordings that had had virtually no cleaning up, drop-outs, wavering dynamic levels etc., made it unlistenable.

Here the fidelity is good mono', the performance of the jazz charts sparkle and the dance style music is beautifully played as you would expect. This is the Heath band in it's pomp, whatever hat it has on. I cannot imagine any collector not wanting this music in his collection. There is so much music on these tapes that I have limited myself to more or less telling you to buy them. One thing I am reminded of is the excellence of the vocalists, the character and personality in their sound and style. I am also appreciative of the sound that comes of proper training, either on the bandstand or through good teachers and last but not least, excellent microphone technique. So often nowadays one vocalist is almost indistinguishable from another. Characterless voices that come from the throat and not the diaphragm, that have never been called upon to reach the back wall of an auditorium. Thank you Mr. Heath and others, for the great band singers of the past. Not too many now I'm afraid.

These historic tapes are produced with the support of the AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF RECORDED SOUND.

Lovers of old radio may find the scores of tapes of archive broadcasts of shows by Johnny Ray, Bill Haley, Mel Torme and many, many more, irresistable. I do, but you have to stop somewhere! I could go broke on these tapes! I recommend you visit the web-site to discover the treasures in this catalogue. You gotta look at this catalogue it is mouth watering if you have a nostalgic bent. E-mail Kingfisher from here. You can shorten a lot of boring long car journeys with these outstanding memories.

LAB '99 - ONE 'CLOCK LAB BAND, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS , Directed by Neil Slater this is yet another consummate display of the writing talents at UNT, an awe-inspiring demonstration of the quality of student, and an object lesson in the various jazz ensemble disciplines. Hard to think of these guys as students! The style is contemporary jazz, I am grateful for the fact that the writing manages to challenge the skills of the musicians to the n-th degree and still manages to retain that grip on musicality that ensures that the music means something to the listener. I have yet to hear any recording by this group, or should I say, any One O'clock Band over the years that was not a a remarkable display of the best of the music of the day. I know my limits, I can say no more....contact North Texas Jazz, LA9901-NS, P.O.Box 305040, Denton, TX 76203 for your copy. I also have copies for sale in the UK.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS 3 O'CLOCK LAB BAND - SPRING 1999, STEVE HAINES DIRECTOR. The first recording I have heard by a 3'O Clock Lab Band. While I must admit that the One O Clock Band does have have an edge with the music selection and the actual performance, there is no doubt that this particular group, containing musicians who have yet to achieve that 'One O'clock' status, makes one wonder what the criteria for promotion are! Apart from the fact that the CD lasts for 39 minutes, has injected a couple of standards and the performance, the interpretation is excellent, what can one say? An excellent big band CD obtainable from me or the address above.

WELL SEASONED - WIGAN YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA : Directed by Ian Darrington. GW011. Available directly from via Ian, click here to e-mail or telephone 01925 727408. The sub-heading for this CD is 'A Legacy Of Stan Kenton's Christmas Music.' The Christmas music is arranged by Ralph Carmichael with the exception that Bob Florence's atmospheric Aul Lang Syne closes the set. This is by far the best album that director Ian Derrington has produced. The selection is refreshing, great arrangements on music you will know, by some of the finest arrangers around including Niehaus, Menza, Yankee, Boland, Tomaro and an excellent treatment by Brian Pendleton of 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee' featuring Don Lusher on trombone. Youth orchestras have a tendency to sound like youth orchestras inasmuch as some of the disciplines are either beyond the younger players or not seen as the priority by directors. In the U.K. it is apparent that the fact that some of the great American musicians tour and play alongside our embrionic young talents is definately having a positive effect. This group is and has been ready to record everytime it has ventured into the studio, Ian has taken care of business. Here we have a genuine YJO making a commendable CD, not because it wants to, but because is is ready and has something to say. Technically the recording is good, the production values of the CD, artwork, packaging etc are high. Before I forget, the lead trumpet player throughout must get a special mention. I cannot see that he or she is credited, regrettable omission! Recent albums by the best provincial YJO's in the UK should be listened to before others venture into the studio. A benchmark has been set in the selection of music, arrangers, directors should take account of a standard of performance that the public are beginning to expect from our bands..

TED HEATH AND HIS MUSIC: EUPHORIA: Jasmine JASMCD 2567. 24 tracks ranging from 1944 to 1949 including material from the Fats Waller's 'London Suite'. Obviously in mono' but decent fidelity this album will find it's way deservingly into many Heath collections. This album will be at a budget price of £5.95 post free in the UK. I have stock.

STAN KENTON ORCHESTRA:LIVE AT NEWPORT 1959/63/71. Jasmine Jasbox 1-3. For details of the tracks please click here. Issued for the very first time is the claim on the box, a claim that will have the Kenton collectors scavenging through their files. Three CDs here and 25 music tracks, one spoken track and one of the tracks is the Macumba Suite, with 4 movements. So, a lot of music here! The fidelity appears to be good throughout. Most of the solos are 'on-mike' or get tyhere in a few moments. It is extremely atmospheric and very enjoyable capturing the rapturous welcomes he, (Kenton) invariably received. Unlike a lot of the ephemera on the market, this is a CD that features the "A" team and recordings that Kenton would have approved of and, had things been right, perhaps would have considered formal releases at the time. This has not always been so recently. I am unable to say that this recording has formal approval of the 'Estate' . Jasmine is a well known label,and has produced some excellent product in the past . £16.95 post free in the UK.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY JAZZ LAB BAND - WITH CLARK TERRY. There is no better inducement to young people to develop their skills than to have a target. In this case the upcoming concert with Clark Terry in April of 1998 provided that incentive. Extra rehearsals were called by the students to ensure that they were able to support their guest properly. I can imagine that an official recording of this event was not scheduled. A recording was made and on a listen, it must have been decided that with a little bit of tinkering and decent packaging, this was saleable and at the very least, they had a tangible record of a memorable event and an indicator of the progress the ensemble was making. There are some 'off mike' solos and occasionally the ensemble is to far back in the mix, one also senses some nervousness, but having said that the band and the audience seem to be having a ball. Mr. Terry is in fine form both with his horn and his banter. This is a fun 'honest' record of a signal event in the NMU schedule. This is how it happened, you are there.... Your contact : Click here.

LABOR OF LOVE - CHICAGO METROPOLITAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA -DIRECTED BY LEN KING. CLJ609-2.This is the second CD by this outstanding orchestra, the first being LIVE AND SCREAMING. The orchestra is dedicated to the memory and spirit of Stan Kenton and is a must for Stan Kenton fans. The impact is that of Kenton, the library includes many of the classics and, here I breath a sigh of relief, there is a generous acknowledgement of the writing talent within the band, and other great contemporary writers. Had this been yet another re-run of the same Kenton arrangements, I would have had to say great band, but it has been done before many times. No, although there are known Kenton classics they work very well because they contrast with the new material from within the band and, in this case, the inclusion of Menza's 'A Train' and others. Two very acceptable vocal interludes by Joni King contribute to the pleasure of listening to this CD. The tracks include: Reuben's Blues,Send In The Clowns, Just Friends, My Old Flame, All Of Me, My One And Only Love, A Train, Sunny Gets Blue, Samba Da Yo, Minor Booze, Out Of Nowhere, Malaguena. Every performance in the orchestra is worthy of mention and praise. Being in the Kenton idiom I must mention the solo and lead trumpet of Kirk Garrison. I am not too enamoured of with 'hit and hope' high note solos. This guy nails the section with a big, accurate lead sound and when he flexes his chops in 'Clowns' the sound is again right down the middle, in tune, big and so high. Musical is a good way to put it. An object lesson to anyone who aspires to be a top lead trumpeter. I must mention the quality of the recording. It is a studio session. The orchestra plays with the sort of fire and enthusiasm that suggests that they have a large enthusiastic audience. The engineer John Larson has produced a wonderful 'live' sound. I have stock in the UK. In the USA contact Len King

RAYMOND SCOTT -THE CHESTERFIELD ARRANGEMENTS 1937-38, THE (DUTCH) METROPOLE ORCHESTRA FEATURING THE BEAU HUNKS SEXTETTE. Basta 30-9097-2. There is a certain joyful quality about these 'society band' type arrangements from the 30's. You are left in doubt that you are being prompted to recall the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. There are definate shades of the Cotton Club here and there. You are also reminded of Ambrose, Harry Roy and more. I remember a recent tribute to Geraldo that promised a lot. The eloquent, lyrical arrangements were played beautifully by session musicians. The sad thing was that these musicians were so hung up on their modern idols that just about every solo opportunity was inappropriately a testiment to the Brecker Brothers or one or other of the contemporary icons. The project, for me was spoiled, an illustrious ex-member of the Geraldo orchestra shared my opinion when he heard the CD. I suspect, or I hope that given the session chance, the Brothers would have had respect for the context of the music. It disappoints me that too many younger musicians show little or no respect for the context of the music they are playing unless it is 'state of the art' contemporary music. These Dutch musicians however are right ' on the money' making this CD great fun and I have no hesitation in recommending it to those who suffer from terminal nostalgia. A link to help you contact the web-site.

TONY CORBISCELLO BIG BAND - IN FULL SWING: ALANNA ACD5581. Not too sure when this CD was recorded. The liner notes say the release is in 1999. It also suggests that the performances are from several different dates, none specified. The latter being true, the sound engineer should be congratulated for matching the sessions so that unless told, you would think that it was one, session, one studio, one engineer. The sound of the CD is excellent, great drum sound. Open, lively, everything you would hope. I have commented on the 'dry' sound of recorded drums in the past. I have been told that it was alright on the day, it was the engineer's fault! Someone must have O.K'd it!

Different music settings require different drums sounds (or do they), certainly a big band needs this sort of sound, check out SERENDIPIDY 18 the latest Bob Florence CD on MAMA for another demonstration of the ideal drum sound for a big band. Back to CD in question, just the right amount of reverb on the rest of the band . In fact a joy to listen to.Drummer/leader is Tony Corbiscello, what band can go wrong when topped and tailed by this drummer and Stahl on lead trumpet.

The arrangements of predominantly standard tunes are by Marion Evans. The CD swings irrestistably helped by the excellent rhythm section that features Bucky Pizzarelli. There is a Basie-like imperative to swing.The personnel includes Dave Stahl on lead trumpet, . It is great to hear Stahl heading up an excellent brass section, he is excellent, great sound, right down the middle with his high notes. the rest of the band: John Eckert, Danny Cahn. Patrick Rickman, Steve Bleifuss, Harvey Tibbs, Bruce Eidem, Matt Ingham, Alan Gauvin, Dave Bixler, Doug Lawrence, Jim Perry, John Zemba, Jerry Aronov, Jerry Bruno. Your contact: web-site . Hopefully I will have stock soon.

NEW ORBITS IN SOUND -COMPOSED AND CONDUCTED BY LYLE (SPUD) MURPHY. GNPD 9056. Collectively featured: Chico Hamilton, Frank Morgan, Russ Cheever, Buddy Collete, Dick Nash, Bill Ullyate, Curtis Counce, Larry Bunker, Morie Crawford, Milt Bernhardt, Buddy Clark and Richie Frost. A timely re-issue of a worthy West Coast aggregation. No information on the sleeve at all. Approx beautiful 34 minutes, that's all, there is no more. It is nice though! I'll listen to it anytime.

CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT - ENSEMBLE 9 - ROB PARTON DIRECTOR.Web-site click here.Catalogue number Hallway 9707. Robert Parton should be familiar to big band fans through his excellent Chicago Big Band CD's on Ropa Jazz. I would commend these to you. Here we have top Chicagoan musicians, complimented by some good arrangements mostly from within this little big band. It has a great solid feel rather than the lighter swinging sound of the Coast. No doubt the musicians are relishing the solo space given and so have created an excellent CD.

THE MUSIC OF ROBERT F. GRAETTINGER, WORLD PREMIER PERFORMANCE 'LIVE AT THE PARADISO. Channel Crossings CCS 1113198. Website address. This is the second recording (to my knowledge) by this excellent Ebony Big Band, recorded in 1966 in Amsterdam.A bit intense this! Swings ferociously when the writing allows. The mood is complex , dangerous and occasionally neurotic. Still what did you expect from this arranger? I can imagine those who had patience with the more exotic adventures of Stan Kenton (City Of Glass) will find much to interest them in this recording. Definately for the enthusiast, cannot quarrel with the musicianship.

THE MILLENIUM JAZZ ORCHESTRA - THE SECOND MILLENIUM. This is the second recording by this new big band from the Milton Keynes area of the U.K. (just north of London for your information). Your contact is 01908 233700. the address: Millenium Jazz Orchestra Ltd., Witan Court, 33305 Upper Fourth Street, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 1EH. the first recording seemed to be planned to 'nail' the progress of the band at that time and give it a target. The second CD with higher production values confirms that the band is making progress and served as another target. With music of Frank Mantooth featuring more and more the band is obviously starting to create an identity. The band's presentation is complimenting the quality of the many soloists and vocalist Nicola Clarke (3 tracks). Everything here indicates that each succeeding recording is going to get better and better. Those fortunate enough to be close to Milton Keynes should should do everything they can to follow and support this band. The CD is available directly from the aforementioned address.

REMEMBERING THE GLENN MILLER ARMY AIRFORCES ORCHESTRA 43/45 - UNITED STATES AIRFORCE ORCHESTRA. In the true tradition of the Airmen Of Note who are probably the core of this large orchestra, surrounded by a consummate orchestra, this is an outstanding presentation that this USAF should be justly proud of. As far as I can tell this is a project faithful to the memory of the war-time Miller orchestra. the orchestra is immaculate, beautifully recorded and features the gorgeous melodies that we have become familiar with over the years. While the 'state of the art' recording add some 'zing' to the music, the musicians have a respect for the era of the music and every solo note is in context. On the occasions I have been lucky enough to see the Airmen Of Note I have always marvelled at the smartness of the musicians and then marvelled at the musicianship. Somehow it always seems a beautiful contradiction that such gorgeous and sometime exciting sounds happen. Anyhow this recording is not commercially available, but should be sought out by broadcasters everywhere. The United Airforces Orchestra website gives details of concert schedules, events and is your contact to join.

UNITED STATES AIRFORCE ORCHESTRA -DUKE ELLINGTON, THE SYMPHONIC PORTRAIT. This is a similar setting to the above. A far more intellectual exercise, played with the same spirit and feeling as before. Featured are: BLACK BROWN AND BEIGE SUITE, NEW WORLD A-COMING, THREE BLACK KINGS. I am not an Ellington historian so have to curb my eloquence (British Joke). Whether or not the purists will see this the way of ordinary mortals I cannot tell. Witness the way Kenton fans respond to some tributes however well-intended. For my money this is an excellent interpretation of some historic musical settings.

UNITED STATES AIRFORCE AIRMEN OF NOTE - REEDS AND RHYTHM. Led by Peter C. Barenbregge, who also plays saxophone, this is the saxophone section and rhythm section of the AON. The principal is similar to to Supersax. The writing by Mike Crotty, Ramon Ricker and Gil Cray is less dense but outstanding. Even with be-bop standards like Oleo, there is a lyrical element that shines through. The album is a joy, with wider circulation I am pretty certain it would be a shoo-in as a best seller. The titles : Oleo, Tell Me A Bedtime Story, Segment, Times Lie, On A Clear Day, What Am I Here For, Black Narcissus, Quiet Now, American Gothic.

UNITED STATES AIRFORCE AIRMEN OF NOTE - INVITATION. Another blast of excellence from this remarkable big band. Recorded in August 1999 this is the last album of the millenium by the AON. As ever it is not commercially available, schools, libraries, Public Service Broadcasters may benefit from an appeal for copies . I am including the website address for the band home page. This was not working a few days ago. the arrangers on this CD are Tommy Newsom, Matt Harris, Mike Tomaro, Peter Herbolzheimer, Rob McConnell as well as 'in-house' writers. Everything oozes quality. One item of particular interest to me is THE TWO FACES OF EMILY. This is the first impression of this song by Bob Florence. The second impression appear on his latest CD SERENDIPIDY18 . Same guy, two views of this very attractive lady, each view is decidedly complimentary. I recall Bob wrote the pyro-technic WILLOWCREST for Buddy Rich, looked at it again and came up with a different version for his own band, one of his great concert pieces!.

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA - SWEET TANGO. Directed by Trent Kynaston this is the fourth CD by an excellent band. I notice that that the drum set teaching is in the hands of Tim Froncek. I recall visiting the NAJE in Detroit and the foyer big band was led by Bruce something or other! On the drums was an ex-Herman side-man. I believe that was Tim Froncek. Isn't that interesting! No... OK! Sufficeth it to say that this is a commendable recording featuring the music of Mike Crotty, Brad Dechter, and Don Ellis, as well as the leader. Seabreeze SBV 4537.

BRUCE LOFGREN JAZZ ORCHESTRA - THE BLUES AND OTHER PASSIONS. Produced by the leader Lofgren and drummer Dave Crigger this is a project that is well up to and beyond the appeal of the first CD, which I enjoyed very much. On this occasion the arrangements are concentrated in a big band rather than a quasi-orchestra mode. I have a soft spot for this recording as the leader uses exotic time signatures quite freelly. I suspect that the prescence of an excellent Dave Crigger on drums helps! Dave, as you may know was in the drum section of the late lamented Don Ellis band. I saw the Ellis band at Concerts By the Sea in the 70s, a remarkable experience as Art Pepper was in the sax section. Dave Crigger was among the drummers wearing what I suppose is his trade-mark flat cap! What an excellent musician!. One point though, no mention of Don Ellis is made within the cover notes. This surprises me as no-one exploited the potential of odd-meters more than Ellis. Not that this is in any way a re -presentation of Ellis's music, the music is Lofgren's (or his cohorts). Anyhow, the band is acceptably funky and swinging, rather than a rocking big band. The music is variously in 12/8, 7/8 , a twelve bar blues sub-divided 5/8 and 7/8. The rest of the music is mostly in 4/4. The classic ALL BLUES reminds me of a superb 1967 recording by the Don Ellis Octet, it was MILESTONES in 7/8. To this day I can only hum it in that time signature. This is an excellent recording and recommended to the more catholic big band listener. Seabreeze SB2103.

NEW ENGLAND JAZZ ENSEMBLE - STORM BEFORE THE CALM. Directed by Walt Gwardyak. A crack big band. Confident, dynamic and an illusion that everyone is having a great time. I have two CDs by this great band, both are excellent, receiving great praise from at least one professional luminary who I know to be reticent about giving praise. The arrangements are by Walter Gwardyak the band director, Chris Merz, John Mastroianni and Phil Person, all from within the band. "I suppose we will have to include these arrangements as some of the guys in the band did them!" That statement was definately not uttered when this selection was put together. The arrangements are stunning and good enough to to grace anyone's library. .Seabreeze SB 2104.

I have amended this review this day due to a number of accidental exclusions and one mis-defintion of the band. I feel I should underline, emphasise that this is an exceptional presentation which should grace the collections of any true collector. Seek out the other too. Sorry about the accidental confusion.

PETE RUGOLO AND HIS ORCHESTRA - RUGLOMANIA/NEW SOUNDS. What a compliment, every one of your recordingsis considered a collector's item, sought after, payed over the odds for, lusted after! Such is the case with hese two albums now on one CD. A wonderful follow up to the first two-fer. Sony COL-CD 6092.

STAN KENTON - THE SOUND OF KENTON. THE WAZE CLEARWATER JAZZ CONCERT SERIES. ZCD 0202 HITCOCK MEDIA. Recorded in 1971 in Florida. Stereo, two CDs AND carrying the blessing of Audree Coke-kenton and legally available under licence from Creative World Publications Inc'. 18 tracks representaive of the travelling library of the era, including several that 'had to be included'. vendor: Rhythm: Riff and many more. This production shades many of the 'unofficial' CDs recently made available and just about any kenton fan will salivate at it's sounds. I have copies!

WOODY HERMAN AND HIS THUNDERING HERD - BLUES IN THE NIGHT. THE WAZE JAZZ CONCERT SERIES. CD 8303 Another 1971 concert in gloriois 'lively' stereo - YOU ARE THERE! Again this concert is representaive of that era of Herman and includes few of the regular 'hits'. A stunning performance of the title track by the way. Highly recommended.

STAN KENTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA - THE CONCEPTS ERA -LIVE! Artistry 4009. Recorded at Cornel University in 1953 and Fort Ord in 1955. 2 CDs and in mono. Acceptable fidelity 140 minutes and 38 tracks. Allegedly previously unissued performances, but I don't know whether this refers to this CD set or the original LP set!

GERRY MULLIGAN AND THE CONCERT JAZZ BAND, FEATURING ZOOT SIMMS - LIVE, ZURICH 1960.Swiss Radio Days Jazz Series. TCB 02122. Good fidelity, live and in Mono'. Whatever the reason any release by this historic big band is worthwhile. 9 tracks, 56 minutes. Including: You Took Advantage Of Me, Walkin' Shoes, Body And Soul, Apple Core, Gonna Go Fishin', Go Home, Motel, Black Nightgown. You don't need me to recommend this one!

DOC SEVERINSEN - SWINGIN' THE BLUES. Azica AJD 72215. A thunderous introduction to the CD by drummer Ed Shaughnessy ensures you are sitting up and taking notice! I once heard him with his ENERGY FORCE BIG BAND in LA years ago, he was in an aggressive mood then. Anyhow his energy is typical of this furiously swinging set. Actually to be fair, it isn't all 'slam, bang, thank you ma'am' . There are beautifully sculptured ballad pieces too. This is the Tonite Show Band re-visited, those who have collected previous CDs by that era of the band will not be disappointed. Severinsen plays beautifully as you would expect. Barbara Morrison contributes an occasional vocal. Yeah!!!!

VAUGHN NARK - AIRMEN OF NOTE - FLYING HIGH. SUMMIT DCD 240.Those of you familiar with the AIRMEN OF NOTE have no doubt in the past marvelled at Vaugh Nark's trumpet playing. He is one of those rare players blessed with high chops and taste. They don't always go together! Arranger Mike Crotty is responsible for the bulk of the arrangements. This is great news for me. The first number LARRAINE (Gillespie) sets the tone for some Nark pyro-technics. I am not sure what has changed to get the 'Note to make commercial recordings, someone might appraise me. For a long time the recordings have been sought by frustrated collectors, now albums on Seabreeze adn Summit are filling holes. Anyhow a great jazz program immaculately performed by one of the US Armed services great JAZZ band.

ROY WEIGAND - STAN, THE BIG SUR. Seabreeze SB 2101. Some albums are excellent then some start having a timeless quality about the. This particular CD has that quality. The personnel are top echelon LA or California musicians. Bill Perkins, Ray Reed, Bob Efford, Mike Vax, Buddy Childers, Chuck Flores, Don Bagley, Steve Huffsteter. This is a tour de force collection of numbers that allege a Kenton influence. This is certainly the case with the Kim Richmond arrangement BIG SUR. A wonderful CD!!!

KENTUCKY JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA - ELLINGTON CELEBRATION. Seabreeze SB 2100.Can there be a better label for exposing big bands that escape the clutches of major labels! Directed by Miles Osland and Dick Domek this lovely recording is like a breath of fresh air. There are 22 tracks that range from 1927 STEVEDORE STOMP to 1959 ANATOMY OF A MURDER. There are seemingly accurate transcriptions by Dave Berger, Dick Domek, Gunther Schueller. I am impressed by the apparent attention to detail, a lot of work has gone into creating the 'feel' of the original performances. Buy the CD and be caressed by this beautiful music!

ALIVE XV1 - THIS ONE'S FOR BUDDY - UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO. CDUJA 1198. The Buddy is trombonist Buddy Baker recently retired from the faculty at UNC. This double CD is a tribute to Buddy and features him on 2 of the 14 tracks. UNC has never produced a so-so , each succeeding year produces an even better recording from what must be one of the most consistant Jazz Ensembles in the USA . Contempory arrangements from John Clayton, Al Cobine, Roger Pemberton, Vince Mendoza. Without checking I guess every one of these quality arrangements appear in an excellent UNC Jazz Press Catalogue. Hear them before you buy.

JOYFUL NOISE - DON SEBESKY ORCHESTRA. BMG 09026 63552-2. This is a magnificent CD, an epic project which will rank among my favourite CDs for the last few years. This is another tribute to Ellington. Ellington is the jumping off point for the music. The tunes are familiar, the treatment is a very reverent irreverence. Sebesky loves the music and enjoys exploring and exposing nuances hitherto missed by many. A splendid NEW YORK big band features Brookmeyer, Ron Carter, Tom Harrell, Phil Woods and more. Joyful Noise is a 19 minute suite, three movements GLADLY, SADLY and MADLY.

DON SEBESKY - I REMEMBER BILL.- A TRIBUTE TO BILL EVANS: BMG RCA 9026-68929-2. A warning, this CD is 78 minutes long and, I suppose could confuse some older players. The personnel for this 1997 New York recording is Bob Brookmeyer, Larry Coryell, Eddie Daniels, Tom Harrell, Lee Konitz, Hubert Laws,Toots Thielmanns and more.There are 14 tracks : Waltz For Debbie, I Remember Bill, So What, Quiet Now, All The Things You Are, Bill Not Gil' and more..

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY ALL-STAR ALUMNI JAZZ ENSEMBLE - CELEBRATION. Directed by Tony Leonardi, this is a response by past members in 1994 to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Dana School. I recall a double LP by YSU when I was a callow youth. It was one of the relatively few collegiate albums that projected in depth solo quality as well as the razor sharp ensemble accuracy that is a feature of many collegiate groups. One rehearsal, and the likes of Ralph Lalama, Glenn Wilson, Jim Masters gave an excellent concert and this CD is the result. It seems this facility fed the bands of Buddy Rich and Tommy Dorsey as well as producing top educators. The Music is by Mike Abene, Mike Crotty, Thad Jones etc.

BIG BAND GOSPEL CLASSICS - RALPH CARMICHAEL BIG BAND. Light Records (www.platinumcd.com). A series of Gospel CDs recently by the Brentwood Orchestra and this Ralph Carmichael band have been a constant source of amazement to me. I wonder how many have overlooked these works because of the religious themes! My wonderment comes from the fact that these melodies are so readily adaptable for jazz expression. This particular CD features the cream of LA studio musicians, you'll be familiar with every one of them. the Carmichael arrangements are well.... heavenly. Exciting.... everything you would want.

PETE CHRISTLEIB AND THE BILL RAMSAY/MILT KLEEB BIG BAND - (RED) KELLY'S HEROES. CARS CP 0010. A swinging tentet plus Pete, funny.... sounds just like a big band to me! In any circumstances I find Pete's saxophone irresistable. yet another excellent jazz CD for big banders. Seattle has triumphed again. Not sure of my geography here, it seems that Kelly's is in Washington. Luckily the CD can be played anywhere! Bill Ramsey is the arranger for the band and produces very muscular arrangements that suit this excellent band wonderfully.

MIKE VAX AND NOJO - NEW OAKLAND JAZZ ORCHESTRA - ALTERNATE ROUTE. Featuring Pete Escovedo and Cami Thompson. Seabreeze SB 2102. While one may expect Mike to capitalise on his Kenton Association, he does not do so in this instance. This is an excellent selection of emotional contemporary peices by a variety of exellent arrangers including Howard Cespedes, Rolf Johnson, Bob Secor and so on. I am in awe of the excellence of the CDs out around this time. I am starting to feel as if I am repeating myself. All I can do is recommend this as forcefully as I can. .

3am - RICH SHEMARIA JAZZ ORCHESTRA. AMOSAYA MUSIC AM 2536-CD.Is this the debut album by yet another excellent NY big band ? If so " way to go!" The combatants include Jim Pugh, Tim Hagen, Marv' Stamm, Dave Bargeron, Ed Xiques, Greg Gisbert, all names I have been associating with excellence for some time. Rich frong Beach California, has a pedigree that interests me inasmuch as he lists Don Ellis as an influence having attended one of his summer jazz camps. Moving from the Coast to Orlando and finally to New York, Rich's prowess as an original arranger went before him. He lists his influences as Manny Albam and Bob Brookmeyer. A fine album of contempory big band jazz.

TOM HARRELL JAZZ ORCHESTRA - TIME'S MIRROR. BMG 0902663524-2. Arrangements by Tom Harrell. Another stellar NY aggregation! Conrad Herwig, Carl Allen, and Mike Fahn are among those listed. Traditional big band configuration that always holds onto the accepted big band devices, excellent and imaginative use of the sections. I have to recommend this too. Tom Harrell's trumpet and flugel are featured to great effect. Another class project.

IRA B. LISS BIG BAND JAZZ MACHINE - EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN. Tall Man Productions. This is an excellent San Diego Big Band, with a reputation for being able to do everything under the sun! This is a fun CD. Captures many styles from 'Jump, Jive and Wail' and 'In the Mood' to modern material, always with great elan. This is not a cerebral exercise this is meant to be good music, well played with a smile on it's face. Totally enjoyable on whatever level, click here for the Big Band Machine web-site. also 619 284 8525.

STEVE WILKERSON - SHAW 'NUFF. (STEVEANDANDREA@GREENHEART.COM) .Baritone Saxophonist Wilkerson has taken arrangements by one Sandy Megas a nonet that features Gary Halopoff,Greg Soloman, Ray Reed, Jim Quam, Terry Harrington, Charlie Orena, Marc Lebrun, Andy Simpkins and James Gadson. This is a no nonsense hard swinging set. For those who worry about the fact it ain't a big band..... don't! This a big sound and Wilkerson's very mobile bari' moves the whole thing along beautifully.

THE LESLIE DRAYTON ORCHESTRA - BY REQUEST. NPJ 41011-2. Contact Leslie Drayton by e-mail. Many years ago I first started selling jazz I was pursuaded to buy an early LP by Leslie Drayton. I cannot recall being impressed. Something has changed, me or Mr. Drayton, I don't know! Snooky Young, Al Aarons list among the personel. This is now a swinging big band. A couple of the older performances are resurrected and they sound OK. Sounds as if it was me after all! I have reservations concerning 'Love Is Four letter word' a self-conscious and for me uncomfortable recitation over some band backgrounds by Oma Drake. By and large not a bad CD!

BUTTERS' IDEA : BOBBY BURGESS BIG BAND EXPLOSION. Yes that Bobby Burgess! Ex-Kenton, Herman, Jones/Lewis, Ferguson, now domiciled in Germany since around 1972. While in Germany he played with Paul Kuhn, South German Radio Big Band and Peter Herbolzheimer. In 1987 he put the current band together.

By the way 'Butters' is a sobriquet attached to him because of the fat smooth tone he effects. I have listened to many European bands of undoubted high quality and sometimes have my imagination stretched to breaking point by the, the 'sharp edges' 'sudden turns', certain harmonic adventures. You occasionally have to work at enjoying the music. Not so here.... the arrangers , with the exception of two arrangements by Bill Holman (title track), one each by Bill Dobbins and Mike Barone are well chosen. The band is outstanding, technically brilliant, beautifully recorded and fun at any level. Thirteen arrangements, 56.23 minutes. Bell Records BLR84069.

BOB WASHUT - UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA JAZZ BAND ONE - 'JUST US'. Seabreeze SBV 4535. Another consistantly high standard collegiate big band, led by one of the giants in education BOB WASHUT. The arrangements are by Washut, O'Farrell, Catingub, Golson and more. It would not be on Seabreeze if was not good. Danny at the label has chosen well.

GREGG FIELD - THE ART OF SWING DZS-172 - Digital Compact Classics (DCC) DZS-172.A biography of drummer Gregg Field can be viewed by clicking here.Arrangements by Sammy Nestico played by a band that features the uninhibited talents of some of the best jazzers in LA. This CD was released before but Gregg decided to re-mix and re-record some of the solos. The result is an outstanding swing big band project that must bear some resemblance to Basie at his strongest. I recall Gregg mentioning the fact that he never worked so hard as he did when with Basie, but came away having developed killer swinging chops that have made him a popular player with the best bands on the Coast. This has to be a must, no it is a must for anyone who enjoys straight ahead big band jazz. Who is on the CD? Snooky Young, Andy Martin, Pete Christleib, Ron Stout, Pete Jolly, Jat Migliori, Kim Richmond and many more.

HIGHLIGHT JAZZ ORCHESTRA (NETHERLANDS) - FEATURING BART VAN LIER (TROMBONE) AND LEO JANSSEN (SAXES). Using superlatives too freely sometimes leaves you nowhere to go when the exceptional happens. Well, I am in trouble! As a collector I go to some length to acquire new recordings. Well I found the HJO, I paid my money and waited, expecting something that was O.K., play it once and file it! That is not how it happened. I lost a morning's work, I took half an hour off a car journey, playing the CD put 10 miles an hour on my top speed. The music is taken from a well recorded radio broadcast, it is live. There are sudden cut-offs at the ends of some tracks, they don't intrude on the music, remember this is a demo' CD! Bob Florence once told me that there must be joy in the music. This CD over-doses on joy, on talent on excitement. The arrangement selection is wonderful. The staff arranger is Rob Pronk for heaven's sake. Peter Herbolzheimer chips in with SILHOUETTE and a version of CHEROKEE that should have a government health warning. The soloists are breath-taking. I should have been there. This has to rank with my all time favourite recordings. I know I will play it again and again. You can get a copy direct from the band, it will cost you $25.00(USA) in cash, it is worth every cent. click here for details of how to get a copy of the CD.

DONCASTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA : HAVE YOU HEARD. DYJACD 1998-3. Allegedly the big band is now dead and buried! Oh really! Someone should remind John Ellis and his team. This latest creation by the DJO a.k.a. the DONCASTER YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA is yet another splendid effort by a new young big band in the U.K. that tends to challenge that statement. Leader John Ellis has had the same problem that many other genuine YJO's have, in that players have to leave the band (to keep it honest), when age limits are reached.

You work like crazy, get guys up to a standard and when you should use their talent, they're off and you start again. This is especially hard when you realise that new players have to quickly rise to the standard of the band rather than it should come down to theirs.

What do you do ? You drop the 'youth' tag, keep as many youngsters in the band that you can and shamelessly get older players to fill gaps. Again, those outside the organisations don't realise that as and when young musicians leave, often they cannot find settings that compare and standards and spirits can fall.

Does this sound like a sermon, if it does I am sorry but I would like to make a few points. With new technology being so accessible nowadays, many groups are recording, some are not really ready to produce anything other than something that will please family and friends, a wider and more wise and cynical audience wants more. The AAAAAAH! factor does not work! With a practised ear you will soon recognise when a band is straining, and can only just do what is asked, you worry. The great bands are so comfortable in what they are doing, so relaxed that even though they are swinging like crazy, if asked they could hit the gas pedal even harder, they are so within their ability. They are relaxed, so am I..... enjoy!

Back to the DJO, the program is typical of the new found confidence of British YJO's and rehearsal bands. Kubis, Curnow,Hooper, Menza and a smattering of arrangements from the guests, who are ex- Doncaster players anyhow. We have a confident 75 minutes of excellent entertainment, great solos, excellent arrangements etc.

I can find one point of criticism, you may not agree! Buddy Rich's Channel One Suite is included as a feature for an excellent drummer Joseph Herzberg. Extended drum solos on recordings only work really well when top players are involved, and not always then. The band actually does quite well but I can sense some fatigue getting in and occasional suspect intonation. I suspect it was done in two parts although I don't know this. I can imagine that in concert the audience are on their feet, but, without the visual dynamic on a recording you have to have either more invention, colour or less drums. I feel that perhaps another piece should have been used on the CD. The guests on this recording have momentarily been re-claimed from the London session scene: Pete Beachill (trombone), Andy Vinter (piano), Mark White (trumpet), Winston Rollins (trombone), Jonathon White (bass guitar), Dennis Rollins (trombone), Glenn Muscroft (bass guitar). Your contact for a copy of this excellent CD (UK) 01302 320002 (phone) 321801 (fax). Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra Organisation, Northern Jazz Centre, Beckett Road, Doncaster DN2 4AA. they will tell you the price.

KENNY CLARKE & FRANCY BOLAND BIG BAND/MITCHELL RUFF TRIO. Collectables COL CD 622282. Two recordings on one CD: JAZZ IS UNIVERSAL by the CBBB and AFTER THIS MESSAGE by Mitchell-Ruff Trio. An unusual coupling on one CD. I suppose the compulsive 'bitchers' will start sniping! Well I bought this for the CBBB and I am grateful for it's being resurrected, classic cuts from one of the best modern big bands. As far as the excellent two fisted piano, bass and drums of the trio. I had never heard the album and found it very enjoyable.£13.95 post free.

I WANT TO LIVE: JOHNNY MANDEL. This is the original MGM motion picture soundtrack. The featured musicians are Mulligan, Shank, Manne, Farmer, Red Mitchell. There are two configurations, big band and combo. Of course the fact that it is from a movie suggests that some tracks are short and occasionally an ending is not logical without seeing the movie at the same time. Having said all that it is a classic showcase for some wonderful jazz from some wonderful musicians. 22 tracks in all on RYKO RCD 1110743. By the way, turn the CD over and via Quicktime Video you can see a trailer for the film.

MARTIANS COME BACK/ WAY UP THERE : SHORTY ROGERS AND HIS GIANTS. Collectibles COL CD 6268. This time the compulsive complainers maybe have less reason to complain. Two superb classic jazz recordings on one CD!

ANTHONY WILSON/ ADULT THEMES. Eleventet featuring Carl Saunders, Pete Christeib, Jack Nimitz and more. A continuation of the feel of previous CDs by this excellent, swinging modern jazz ensemble. MAMA MMF1026.

DICK MELDONIAN, SONNY IGOE AND THEIR BIG SWING JAZZ (BIG) BAND PLAYS THE MUSIC OF GENE ROLAND. Realise this is not a Kenton revival. This is a re-issue of an excellent swing album from a few years ago. Just under 40 minutes of excellent fifties style big band jazz.

COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA (GROVER MITCHELL): SWING SHIFT. In the swinging Basie style, says the sleeve notes. 11 new compositions and 3 standards by the new band. No-one can quite have the feel of the original Basie band. So here we have an excellent big band swinging away quite respectably and we are reminded of the master occasionally. You really ought to buy it. MAMA MMF 1027

CHRIS MCDONALD ORCHESTRA : BIG BAND CHRISTMAS, BIG BAND HYMNS, BIG BAND CLASSICS AND BIG BAND FAVORITES . Ten or even more years ago Discovery/Trend produced a stunning big band LP called the NASHVILLE JAZZ MACHINE "WHERE'S ELI". Associated with this marvellous group were two other groups, one of which was called the TEN TROMBONE MACHINE. the common factor with these bands was they were awesome! Oh, there was another factor: Chris McDonald, apparently one of band of musicians who made their living playing in other styles in Nashville. He is a trombone player, he is also a composer/arranger of exceptional ability. When writing originals and feeling expansive he is reminiscent of McConnell, Jones/Lewis etc. I lost him for a while and then became aware of some recordings by the Brentwood Jazz Orchestra. The music mainly featured gospel music and seemed to be found in religious book-shops. What do we have now ? The finest Christmas album I have heard in a long time,, another album that reminds us all of the high standard of music associated with many hymns, so much jazz in these pieces. The CLASSICS and FAVORITES CDs feature popular swing tunes from the forties. the arrangements are comfortably similar to the old ones but, happily have been tweaked by the talented McDonald. If you have a hang-up concerning religious or gospel music, forget it and just listen to the notes. these albums are all worthy of your time. Greenhill Productions 2021 Richard Jones Road, Suite 180, Nashville, TN 37215. 1-800 200 4656.

FRIM FRAM SAUCE - FATCHOPS BIG BAND LEE GIBSON AND THE JOHN RUDDICK JUNIO JAZZ ORCHESTRA. Click here for a biography of the band . Please note that this album has been re-packaged and re-issued by the AMERICATONE label for distribution in America.

One of the benefits of living in the UK. or indeed in Europe as a whole is that you should know who Lee Gibson is. Lee is is a jazz singer from the Home Counties ( London-ish) area. In my opinion the best female jazz singer the UK has to offer. Tremendous feel for the music, phrases wonderfully with a fabulous control of tone colour and dynamics. After having successfully guested with the band for sometime it seemed only right that she would be a feature of the debut CD. We have thirteen tracks, seven of which are vocals. The instrumentals involve Kubis, Mintzer, Francy Boland and consistantly the most talented writer for big bands in the UK, MARTIN WILLIAMS. The stand-out performances on the CD outside of Ms. Gibson's are: LA MUCHACHA DE COLUMBIA, a Williams latin tour de force, LULLABY OF THE LEAVES a beautifull swinging ballad treatment by Francy Boland and POTS AND PANS by Mintzer. The latter is not my own favourite writer but, despite my protestations John Ruddick (Jnr) insisted on buying the arrangement and including it. Mintzer's writing tends to be more palatable for me in a live situation. This case proves the point. It keeps coming at ya', and Martin Williams tenor finishes up in lethal mode. Hear the band play this live and you won't forget it in a hurry.. As a footnote you tend to be kind to a 'good try' by a local band, also if you are associated with the band you may be excused for enthusiasm that out-strips the actual quality of the band. In this case, for what it is worth, I am genuinely proud of this project and confidently predict that those who buy will share my enthusiasm.£11.95 for the CD, from me, no post in the UK.

BEYOND THE LIMIT - AYLESBURY MUSIC CENTRE JAZZ BAND. With guest star Salena Jones (vocals). I don't know whether the problem is world-wide as far as youth jazz orchestras is concerned, or just in the U.K. There are a number of band directors up and down the country who sacrifice time, energy and money in pursuit of a dream, that dream being to find talented young people and bully, encourage and cajole them until they have an ability to express themselves musically and to be part of a team. These band directors have little encouragement and virtually no funds to help them pursue a noble cause. Nick Care is no exception, his band suffers from constant changes in personnel and all the usual problems and still manages to keep up to a good standard. Here we have a CD created to attract funds and to demonstrate the talent of the orchestra. 70 plus minutes of original music and some input from known arrangers like Bob Florence. This is a commendable CD and worthwhile collecting. Nick has found Martin Williams, who I think is the most promising, if not the best new arranger in the UK. Martin Williams. Martin is now a regular member of the BBC Big Band as well as a busy session musician. His charts alone make this a worthwhile purchase. Any USA band directors looking for new writers should contact Martin Williams. Your contact for the CD is Nick Care, 1 North Cottages, Stockgrove, Leighton Buzzard,Bedfordshire, LU7 0BB (UK) 01525 237401.

SHERRIE MARICLE AND DIVA - I BELIEVE IN YOU.On Diva's own label, I believe the third CD by this all female big band. The review/advice is easy... BUY IT. The band is outstanding, a muscular approach to jazz ensemble playing. Excellent arrangements well complimented by a superb bunch of soloists let by drummer Sherrie.£11.95 post free in UK.

CLARKE BOLAND BIG BAND EN CONCERT OCTOBER 1969 (PARIS). Europe One CD (DBL). Mono reproduced from a live radio broadcast, this is one of those un-missable opportunities to have more music to this amazing big band in your collection. Euro/American all-star band LIVE... The fidelity is OK and the music includes: Pentonville, You Stepped Out Of A Dream,Volcano, sax No end,Evanessence and many more. Originally an expensive set the publishers have severly reduced the price making it a bargain at £13.95 post free.

FULL SPECTRUM JAZZ - FIRST TIME OUT. FSJ CD 01 The band was conceived in the Autumn of '96, by saxophonists Fred Urrutia and trumpeter Dan Dierkes while enthusiastically despatching an excellent Chinese meal at popular eatery Ho Chow's in Fremont. They decided there was room for another big band in the Silicon Valley with a brief to perform music in all styles from the 30's to the present day. the band's members are a mixture of enthusiastic semi-pro's from many well-known Silicon Valley companies. and San Francisco professionals. One thing that immediately evident on this recording is that it is done for love, they have fun but play to a very high standard. Despite the original charter to span from the 30's to the present day, the music on this CD is of today, fine modern arrangements from Sammy Nestico, George Stone, Billy Byers, Gordon Brisker and even Hank Levy (Pegasus) and more. I am pleased to see Don Schamber represented (It Might As Well be Spring). Every piece is brimful of great writing, immediately accessible to a wide audience. It is obvious the over-riding motivation of this excellent group is to entertain not frighten. I would love to see this band live. Anyhow a copy can be yours all you do is contact: Fred Urrutia,(if you are in the USA/Canada) at 806 Keystone Way, Livermore, CA 94550. Phone: (408) 235-7337 or (925) 606-9138, Click for website. Or contact yours truly, see below.Do not post credit card details please.

A MIRACLE - FRANK MANTOOTH ORCHESTRA. SEABREEZE SB 2094. yet another outstanding Seabreeze production! The gorgeous writing of Mantooth plus some outstanding guest. Dave Steinmeyer, Pete Christleib, Bobby Shew, Kim Park and more. Diane Schurr and Kevin Mahogony are guest vocalists on the 4 out of 10 tracks. Matt Harris does sneak in with an arrangement on Limehouse Blues. Frank mantooth is well capable of producing original material of high quality but his work with standard is outstanding and makes you even more angry when you think how many great American standards are imprisoned by the attorneys who administrate the various copywrite abherrations. A great American art form (jazz) is being stifled by the greed in some quarters. Anyhow, this CD is available from me in the UK at £11.50 (no post in the UK).

DE PAUL UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE -SHADE STREET. Bob Lark's DePaul University big band has that knack of sounding quite unlike a collegiate ensemble. So often those groups have fabulous ensembles playing smart alec arrangements with ho-hum soloes. Not so here a very mature approach by the ensemble and the soloists help you relax and go with the JAZZ. A recommended CD. On Blue Birdland Records BBL 8582 at £12.50 post free in the UK.

BOB FLORENCE AND THE LIMITED EDITION BIG BAND. The album is called EARTH and reflects the more muscular approach of Bob to his writing. I have seen these charts performed live. Believe me the band has the impact of Kenton at his most dynamic - not the same style.On the subject of style, don't let the title of the album lead you to believe that this is some cerebral exercise, with audience pleasure on the back burner. My recollection is of being nailed to the back wall by a display of dynamic excellence that left me wasted. Return to my home page and link to the BOB FLORENCE STORY for a review of EARTH. Click here for Bob Florence page and review of SERENDIPIDY 18 the most recent recording.

LATE NIGHT - DAN MCMILLION & THE GROOVIN' HIGH BIG BAND. Interplay IP86162. Florida based high note trumpet technichian leaves no-one in doubt that he has a certain respect for Maynard Ferguson. Some of the music is from the MF library. An exciting performance which will please trumpet pyro-technic fans. £12.25 post free in UK.

BUDDY BREGMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA - SWINGING KICKS. Verve 3145595142. Recorded in 1956 this classic big band set includes music off the old 1956 LP featuring music from the film WILD PARTY. This really is a dream band! Two Candolis, Ferguson, Gozzo and Linn are in the trumpet section. Bernhart, Roberts and Rosolino contribute towards a so-so trombone section (English humour). Auld, Cooper, Geller, Shank and guest Getz, cope with the sax chores. Oh! Ben Webster sneaks in there too. Did I mention Giuffre! Paul Smith and Andre Previn share the piano chair, Joe Mondragon, Stan Levey and Alvin Stoller are in the engine room. It is lucky that you cannot wear out CDs like you could LPs! This is so, so good. £12.25, post free.

PHIL NORMAN TENTET - YESTERDAY'S GARDENIAS. SEABREEZE SB 3029
Arrangements by Bob Florence, Tom Kubis and Roger Neuman. Players include Bob Florence Andy Martin, Frank Capp, Carl Saunders, George Graham, Ron Stout etc. A showcase of West Coast Jazz . Swings like crazy, second outsanding CD by this group. £11.50.

PHIL NIMMONS - ATLANTIC SUITE, SUITE P.E.I., TRIBUTES Some applause please for Sackville making some excellent big band recordings from the seventies available on CD. This Canadian star clarinetist includes names that have since become respected internationally, a wonderful double CD. Sackville SK2CD5003.

CCM JAZZ ENSEMBLE - LADY BIRD Cincinnatti Concervatory of Music jazz ensemble led by Rick Van Matre. This is one University project that deserves wider exposure. It reeks of class, not a cliche in sight. Great arrangements from within the faculty and an outstanding commisioned treatment of DONNA LEE by Matt Harris. I am a little out of my depth being eloquent about a superb project. A favoirite track? Try MOANIN' by Charles Mingus! Seabreeze SBV 4547..

THIS ONE'S FOR SANDY -ALIVE XV - UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO.How is it some collegiate groups sound like, well... collegiate groups? Others like the UNC ensemble, sound like thorough-going professional jazz units. Wide open recorded sound that conveys an accurate impression of the band's professionalism. The engineering is always so acceptable. First class contemporary arrangements, all but one readily available from UNC Jazz press, from me in the U.K. the arrangers include Dan Gailey, Mike Abene, Tim Clarke, Matt Harris etc. If you are serious about collecting big bands on CD, this is a must.

 

Archive created 15/4/2002