Another excellent compact disc by the erstwhile 'Kansas City' Boulevard Big Band. Fitting we should have have a hard swinging group from the home of the Basie tradition. There will be no disappointment to listeners. This one of those outstanding labours of love that can be found in the U.S.A., it also happens to be one of the most impressive. It's style is of the loose, tight and swinging variety, so those who enjoy the music of Woody, The Count and so on will find much to enjoy.

The arrangements are home-grown, the exception being ALONE (Bob Curnow) and THE MEANING OF THE BLUES( Dan Gailey). The music is an intriguing blend of standard and original composions (see below).

Although the usual composition of the band would in any case produce a worthy performance by any standard, the luxury of featuring Pete Christleib is appreciated. Every opportunity to hear this giant of a tenor player should be grabbed.

So be assured this is one of the most exciting big bands around at the moment and anyone who loves great music played by musicians of this class should beat a path to Harlings or any other K.C. venue.

The CD is available at CD Baby and there are plans to make it available at other online facilities. Please go to the following link for information on concerts and CD purchase - click here.

 

Tracks Peeve Cheek To Cheek My One And Only Love Black Nile The Meaning Of The Blues If I Only Had A Brain Alone The Search For Peace It's Not About You

Personnel from Trumpets: Danny O' Brien, Jay Sollenberg, Dave Aaberg, Fred Mulholland, Steve Molloy Woodwinds: Hal Melia, Phil Brenner,Pete Christleib, Aaron Simcox, James Isaac Trombones: Steve Dekker, Paul McKee, Matt Kern, Paul Roberts. Drums: Todd Strait , Piano: Roger Wilder, Bass: Tim Brewer, Guitar : Rob Whittsit

 

THE BOULEVARD BIG BAND "LIVE"

AT HARLINGS UPSTAIRS - TRUMPET AND LEADER - MICHAEL MCGRAW

FEATURING PETE CHRISTLEIB