AL PORCINO BIG BAND 'LIVE'!
The CD was recorded over three nights in Munich in December 1999.
Arriving in Munich in 1977, Al Porcino has dedicated himself to keeping big band swing within the consciousness of of listeners. He has apparently led this band of enthusiastic German musicians for five years playing regular fortnightly gigs at Munich's Nachtcafe, where the album was recorded.
Al realizes that this type of music does not have the greatest following but aims to keep the flag flying anyhow! The reason why the band does not have the following is because there are millions of people out there who don't know they like big bands, because they ain't ever heard one! Blame the broadcasters....... blame the media who prefer to ingratiate themselves with the talentless unwashed who infect the hearts and minds of the gullible with mindless pap. As sure as blazes it ain't my fault or Al's.
The reckless abandon with which the band approaches this music is as joyful an experience as you will have listening to a big band. I hope it does not offend if I tell you that I am immediately put in mind of the legendary Terry Gibbs Big Band. Listen to the unashamed exuberance of the musicians, listen to the quality of the soloists, check out the arrangers used. Bill Holman. Don Piestrup, Johnny Mandel, Al Cohn, Neil Hefti and Bob Brookmeyer (Let's Dance).
For me this CD is irresistible. I cannot keep all the CDs I have in my catalogue for my own collection, this one is an exception.
This one is for all those collectors who have collected the Gibbs CDs and have hoped and prayed that more tapes will be found. Look no further, this is as close as you can get. I am not aware that Al Porcino has deliberately patterned his approach to the music of Gibbs. I would hate to say he is copying the legendary vibist , what I have said is designed to give a potential purchaser an idea of what he is buying.