VAUGHN WIESTER'S FAMOUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
SIGHT READIN' BABY
PLAYIN' THE BOOK
HERB'S BOOK
Thank God for Vaughn's Famous Jazz Orchestra...... big band jazz with a smile on it's face for once. It is wonderful to take a rest from the scholarly approach some arrangers take towards their work. I really appreciate the fact that at least one band, this excellent OHIO big band, is aware of the audience and does not go the way of some big bands and play music that excludes the ordinary listener, but fascinates the musician or the intellectual in the audience. There is a compromise, music can challenge the caring musician and please the listener. It is a fact that the very personal 'dark' approach to music does not always attract a new audience and does indeed frighten off some erstwhile enthusiasts.And we do need continuing support and new 'members' in our glorious sub-culture.
Vaughn, (who is an ex-herman trombone) could never be accused of this. His library must be one of the finest anywhere. He admits it is accented toward the music of Basie, Kenton and Herman, to mention but a few. The band performs weekly at the Columbus Music Hall. The title of the first CD "Sight Readin' Baby" gives you a clue about one of the excitingly eccentric habits the band has of doing just that. I gather it does not rehearse except in front of the audience. New music is introduced to the audience, they will hear Mr. Wiester announce " We'll put a number on that one - SIGHT READIN' BABY" .
The CDs prove that, whatever surprise the leader inflicts upon them, the adrenaline produces meaningful, accurate and enjoyable interpretations. I would love to be there, these live albums prove that it works for everyone. I know of one big band that thinks that if you whoop and holler enough you will kid the audience. Well if you produce a recording from one of these sessions, without the visuals pulling your focus, the faults shout out
With the V.W. band CDs all you hear is great music performed spectacularly by outstanding musicians; no discernable clams!. The CDs demonstrates what a big fat swinging sound this band has. It really is like being there!
Herb Harrison is a bonus to this band. He is an arranger of the old school. Great work on standards, swinging arrangements that transcend the eras. The 'Herb's Book' CD is dedicated to him; he conducts, the band wails.
Incidentally 'Bus To Nowhere' on the 'Herb's Back ' CD features John Von Ohlen at his outrageous best!
You want a copy? I will have them in the UK otherwise telephone Vaughn Wiester ( rhymes with Easter): 614 263 4014.