RICH WETZEL'S GROOVIN' HIGHER ORCHESTRA
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I am not sure about the date of this recording, as the band was conceived in December of 2000 and one could reasonably expect this type of project to reach the stores in four months or so. Perhaps it happened early summer of 2001. In any case this is a new band committing itself very early, to the sort of minute examination that a live audio recording brings.
Rich makes the point that this is an honest to goodness, accurate representation of a night's work at Jazzbones, by the band, in front of a live audience. No dickering about by engineers to remove a clam ,re-record a solo, boost a section. No doubt that with studio time this does save expense, but I don't think that was the motive.
Tacoma's finest musicians, take time off from appearing with local rock, latin, blues bands etc., to interpret the music associated with Kenton, Basie, Herman, Bellson and Rich, to name but a few. There is a definite Ferguson edge to the band due to the extensively and impressively featured high chops of the leader Rich Wetzel.
This is a double CD. I have no doubt that the musicians had to be reminded at some point that they were being recorded for an album, or maybe they have tapes running at every gig. I don't know, but they just dive in there have fun. So if there is an occasional imperfection, the audience don't mind, why should we.
I can't help you with the arranger details but no doubt they are from the libraries of Ferguson, Basie etc. as I recognise the titles. Having got this album out of their system, the next recording will be even better and I for one look forward to it.