Eternal Licks And Grooves

The excellent MAMA catalogue has been resurrected and is to be found at the above link in its entirety. The first new release will be in March of 2007. Fittingly the music selected to introduce the label's securing of the catalogue will be this exhilarating new recording by the Limited Edition. The title of the album is composition commissioned by ASCAP and IAJE and premiered at the 2005 IAJE convention in Long Beach California.,as a tribute to Count Basie. Bob Florence has taken the essence of ONE O'CLOCK JUMP and cleverly intertwined those Eternal Licks And Grooves with his own 'stream of consciousness' salute to the contribution that the Count made; that is at the core of contemporary swing music.

This track, indeed the entire album is relentless in its dedication to that which most big band supporters require.

The ballads are achingly beautiful; for example BOB CARR'S baritone solo in GUIDING STAR at first hearing, has you checking the personnel to find out who the cellist is!

APPEARING IN CLEVELAND is a composition that is an obvious reference to Stan Kenton and a casual remark he made some time ago.A tour de force.... this is the definitive recording and a tumultuous way to conclude this epic album.

Solo piano recitals are an important and enjoyable part of Bob's life at the moment (check out the jazz press in Southern California). This being so he allows himself more solo space on his albums. Aa wilfull left hand sets up exhilerating eruptions of swinging excitement from the ensemble, or his unrivalled ability to dissect and analyse a well known ballad, induces serendipitous pleasure.

The brotherhood that is the LIMITED EDITION has not changed too much for this recording. One addition is drummer PETER ERSKINE due to non availability of Dick Weller. This is a gig that Peter Erskine enjoyed and it shows. As you may know, Bob is very demanding of a drummmer and much of his 'sound' is dictated by the musicality of the incumbant. Peter is perfect as a irresistable driving force. On INVITATION he accompanies Trey Henry on bass. His time, his even-ness his uncanny ability to let that time hang in the air ensuring that the soloist is totally secure in the feeling that a benign force of nature is working with and for him.

The Limited Edition is a unique group, to be treasured ; it will referred to by performers and arrangers for a long time. As and when this album is released; ensure you are in teh queue to buy it from me or from the label.

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