THE GARY URWIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA
PERSPECTIVES
Those of you familiar with my catalogue will no doubt salivate at the prospect of listening to this magnificent compact disc when the personnel listing is seen. It seems that this orchestra is the result assembling the finest musicians on the West Coast, their names are familiar as regular members of the groups led by Bob Florence, Bill Holman and more. Top echelon sidemen who are not only great session players but guys who love to play. I doubt that any invitation to play this library would be refused. A fine orchestra like this deserves an exceptional library.
In this instance the music is arranged by the leader Gary Urwin. I thought I was aware of all of the great arrangers on the Coast but this guy slipped me by. He originates from Ohio and gravitated to Los Angeles in the 70's, working as a trumpeter and an arranger for various bands. In 1979 he went to law school and gained a degree, he now divides his time between being a litigator and a musician.
This is a powerhouse big band playing mostly standard material . The view of this material is as seen by G.U. This means a respect for the original, but an inside view. Mostly I am reminded of Woody Herman at his best, and sometimes Basie, the swing element is irresistible. The music occasionally drifts towards the cutting edge showing a respect for Brookmeyer, but the writer stays clear of any musical excursions that destroy the swinging and lyrical illusion that dominates.
Take a peek at the lineup!
The tracks: I'm Old Fashioned/Stormy Weather/Something The Cat Dragged In/Wish Upon A Star/Chucho/Legacy/Sky Dive/Blues On Ice/You Must Believe In Spring/Somebody Loves me/Beauty And The Beast/Oncoming Traffic/ Vegas D'Oro and a reprise of I'm Old fashioned.
Believe me I love every musician her but have to point out the stunning quality of Wayne Bergeron's lead trumpet. His sound is big, powerful and in tune at whatever altitude. His soloing is out of the top drawer too. His musical taste immaculate. Reminds me why I hate these guys who strain, turn purple and project a sound that panics every dog in the area. Want it in tune too? Sorry, no can do.....
I have copies here in UK.