Many people know that Jennifer Hall is one of the first call baritone players on the West Coast, certainly she has played with the Phil Norman Tentet, Jack Sheldon Big Band, Ann Patterson's Maiden Voyage. If this is your introduction to this outstanding instrumentalist, prepare for a pleasant surprise. She has chosen a challenging genre to explore for this her first CD. the music of Gerry Mulligan is obviously well known and studied by the cogniscenti. Black belt fans can be unforgiving when tributes are offered.
Jennifer Hall has chosen some heavy company on this CD. One she appreciates is probably on of the most popular arranger/composers anywhere. His music is played the world over, what some may not realise is that he is also a world class sax player. I am sure he must have 'touched' these arrangements, in any case the feel is totally authentic throughout and comfortable setting for the Mulliganesque spirit demonstrated by this excellent soloist jennifer Hall.
The rest of the line-up is intimidating to say the least. Carl Saunders, Roger Neuman, Tom Harrington, Jack Sheldon have all made their mark in the industry . Their wok is well known to those who follow the West Coast scene.
I would recommend this CD to any one who likes the swinging lyrical West Coast Sounds and fans of gerry Mulligan will hopefully come to see this as one of the better tributes to the great man.
It is available from Amazon, hit THIS LINK .
JENNIFER HALL MEETS........
A WST COAST TRIBUTE TO GERRY MULLIGAN
FEATURING: CARL SAUNDERS, TOM KUBIS, ROGER NEUMAN, JACK SHELDON AND MORE.......