A year or so ago I saw Gordon Goodwin's Big Band opening the Anaheim International Association Of Jazz Educators Convention. I reminded him that the world was waiting for a new recording by his band and featuring his wonderful arrangements. I was delighted to hear that the project was on it's way, but I don't think he had yet decided on the name of the band. The project is available on DVD in the U.S.A .I don't have details except that it is creating something of an impact in the hi-fi community for it's impact as a recording, including video, interviews and more. A suitably high hi-fi CD is now out.

As well as the pick of the top echelon Los Angeles musicians, Gordon has a few special guests: Arturo Sandoval, , Eddie Daniels, Brandon Fields, Dan Higgins, Eric Marienthal and Carl Verheyen. The rest of the guys you will know from the bands of Bob Florence, Bill Holman and more.

I notice that Gordon Goodwin rarely sounds better than when his writing is in a latin mode. It seems to allow his imagination to conjure up memorable new melody lines and impishly manipulate his ensemble creating some of the most inventive, attractive and swinging solis. The set starts with an outrageous parody on SING SING SING, re-badged as SING SANG SUNG. The original is in there somewhere.It is a wonderful effect showcasing Sandoval and Daniels. Two of the arrangements are Grammy nominated by the way.

And so it goes on through 10 original arrangements, which hopefully means that sooner or later we can buy the dots for our bands (now available) and I suppose wonder why we cannot sound the same! The reason of course is that this is a superb band playing intricate and endlessly appealing music.

This is a wonderful CD and you should seek it out and buy it. I have stock in the UK.

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