MORE BIG BAND RELEASES VOL TWO

The above is a picture taken by me of the Phil Norman Tentet listening to the playback of one of their recordings. I am fortunate to have seen the tentet in rehearsal and concert situations many times. Seated is Bob Florence and the other faces you may recognise are: Phil Norman extreme right, Jim Mooney (the engineer),Roger Neuman,Dave Koonse,Trey Henry,George Graham, Ron Stout, Frank Capp, and Andy Martin. One of a number of excellent recordings by the way.

Hats off to those determined souls who ignore the fact that their chosen metier is one of the more demanding disciplines. Running a big band, even when the genre was at it's zenith was hard work and expensive enough; writing the music is a skill that few conquer, putting it all together as a team is another elusive art. Why do they do it? On top of that, one has to decide where one is going when composing and arranging, having made a decision re' presenting n it in a way that communicates with an audience, for example as as an uptempo swing opus or a sensitive ballad.

Another skill not necessarily found in other music forms is that of spontaeniously creating music (improvising) within what has been written; jazz musicians who have that skill are not only admired by the listening public but often held in awe by by 'serious' musicians who perform within rigid classical settings that are unforgiving in the need for attention to detail with little or no freedom to extemporise.

Suich an organisation is the N.E.J.E. A first class modern swing big band that shows all thse skills within an album featuring standard and original arrangements showcasing many of the excellent soloists within the band including John Abercrombie on guitar and Ali Ryerson on flute. Trumpeter Jeff Holmes contributes the sort of fine arrangements that make him a popular composer/arranger with many bands throughout the USA. Vocalist Giacomo Gates has the luxury of performing on three of tracks making this an excellent, all round entertaining CD.

Why is jazz and swing music not given more time in the media? Ifr more people could hear it I am sure the fan base would grow.

Website address is below and the CD is available via Amazon.

Please notice the link below for more informed details about this excellent big band. I must admit the lady who is responsible for the library is unknown to me but the cogniscenti know her as a pianist working her various quintets in the New York area and teaching at California State University Long Beach.

Someone was savvy enough of her work to ask her to create some big band arrangements. The success of these inspired the creation of a rehearsal big band of her own. This would appear to have been so impressive that this permanent record of her work was created. This is our good fortune as well.

The band is a 'cutting edge' big band with an appealing will not to frighten the horses It may flirt with the extremes of the aforementioned musical environment, but it does not stray into that area that discomforts the casual listener. The band swings beautifully but shades of McNeeley and perhaps of Bob Mintzer are tempered by the melodic teasing the arranger inserts to encourage some listeners to persist and be rewarded.

Glenn Miller fans look the other way; those who enjoy the less elaborate challenges of Brookmeyer as well as the above will be rewarded by this excellent new band.

26 tracks, 78 minutes of undiluted joy provided by provided by an unbelievable collection of the best of the best playing music we are familiar with and will love 'til death. I know these tracks have been oiut before but now all on the same CD, perfect for car listening. Another bonus is fascinating booklet reprint of comments made by Woody in 1955 for Downbeat. A blast my friends. Excellent transfer to CD of all tracks put together in Spain by the POLL WINNER label. We are so lucky ( a lot of us ) an era we experienced that never happen again.

Check out Amazon for copies.

"REPERTORY ORCHESTRAS ARE FORMED WITH THE NOTION OF MAINTAINING, PRESERVING, RE-CREATING AND PERPETUATING THE BEST OF THE GREAT BIG BAND MUSIC OF PAST ERAS". There you have the concept. The trick is to have soloists who recreate the style of the solos in the day, rather than tack on solos more applicable to one of today's ensembles. The Kentucky group get everything right, immaculate transcriptions where original copies no longer exist and soloists that can groove appropriately. Directed by Miles Osland and Dick Domek (the the man who listened to and transcribed lost music from just listening to old records) have produced a lovely entertaining, swinging homage to the good old days. Available from Amazon...

See link below...

This group has been in existence for approximately fifteen years. It's conception was the result of of leader Phil Norman following a dream. Long story short he commissioned arrangements by top West Coast musicians and people like Tom Kubis and the late Bob Florence donated music to the library. This was 15 years ago. This is the sixth album unless you count a little known concert in Mammoth which would make it the 7th. Remarkable this group can trip daintily through subtle lyrical explorations or pound you with powerful quasi big band ensemble sounds. This wide variety of sounds is down to Phil's wisdom in his choice of arrangers. He originally used Dave Pell's similar swinging small big band as a template.

So here is a new CD, sadly without Bob Florence but with the astounding Christian Jacob.

This CD has only just been released and is available Amazon. Phil Norman fans will not be disappointed. Check the link below.

In 1977 I went to a concert in North London and experienced one of the most exciting big bands I had experienced i.e. HUMBER COLLEGE from Toronto under the direction of Al Michalek. One of the music experiences I would love to re-visit. Within the band was a very young John McLeod.

This band has a similar line-up to the late Rob McConnell's Boss Brass and uses names I recognise from that HUMBER band plus others who were at the school.

Without using Rob's music, this demonstrates how important Rob's influence has been. McLoed's arrangements are obviously influenced by him.

I am so glad it is not a tribute; re-running the BOSS BRASS book. This is fresh, breathtaking, exciting and occasionally beautiful. You have to get it direct from the website above and Paypal will do. It is a must have.

Buy it just to hear Alistair Kays's superb trombone solo on Laura if you wish These Canadian guys are all out of the top drawer; never let you down.

Rumours of another CD project which pleases me no end. If there is one album you should get this is it. At this moment only available on the leader's website; see below. Note the price is in Canadian dollars and you can pay by Paypal wherever you are.

You may be able to equal the quality of musicians in this band, but you will not be able to better it. This are the crème de la crème of the L.A music scene. Those who have collected albums featuring the top West Coast bands over the last 25 years or so will recognise: Don Shelton, Bob Sheppard, Alex Budman, Ron Stout, Carl Saunders, Steve Huffsteter, Andy Martin, Scott Whitfield and Peter Erskine. Clare Fischer is musician who is always seeking different ways to express himself. His musical excursions are always interesting and thought provoking and the instrumentation 'different, loads of brass, choirs; you name it. On this occasion we have a regulation big band line-up playing original compositions. I must admit to being wary. But fear not for those who love the modern swing big band genre it does not get much better. Latin, swing, fine jazz solos by the best; nothing wasted this excellent recording has all one would want including exhilarating 'stream of conciousness' writing for the ensemble, nothing formulaic; it all makes thrilling sense to any listener who goes beyond the old swing era. I would advise you to check out the excerpts on CD Baby.

I missed so much good music over the years by just sticking to the same artistes and style. So glad that I broadened my musical horizons.

First of all these excellent CDs deserve to be heard. I wonder how many potential listeners outside the parish, are put off by the abstract titling of the band and don't bother to examine the disc. The 'PLURAL' sobriquet is used to indictate that "the big band is an extension of the small band, such as a symphony orchestra is an extension of a chamber orchestra". But to me it is the ED NUCCILLI BIG BAND pure and simple. The bad news is that this supremely talented octogenarian passed away a short ago. I hope the band continues as a constant memorial to Mr. Nuccelli. Detroit should remember how talent he was and how important his journey was to our music.

Anyhow check out CD Baby (link below) listen to some excerpts.

.....and the friends are: Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Gary Burton and Elvin Jones. This is an album that has achieved a reputation as being rare and highly collectible. Not a big band but an imaginative assembly of like minded jazz icons. I have read of it as being referred to a beautiful album and a must have. One of the things about the current climate in music is that many albums are being digitized and at relatively small expense, being made available as digital downloads. This copy was downloaded via Amazon at very little expense. The Album artwork can be retrieved from I-Tunes as most will receive their music in that software. Liner notes can be a problem, but the information is available , just Google the album title.

What attracted me to it was Brookmeyer in a more earthly mood swinging in a traditional style on his valve trombone and Gary Burton swinging loosely. Needless to say the rotten kid Getz is chewing up the scenery as only he can. The album is a joy.

This is a 13 track Amazon download, I guess available to collectors anywhere, certainly in the UK. I bought this a few days ago and since that time it has been played continuously on my Ipod and on my home system. As suggested by the title there is a Kenton flavour to the selections and we have the controversial French Horn section within a traditional big band line-up. The latter was the cause of some dissatisfaction within the Kenton band some time ago.

Listen to some of the examples on the download site and you may wonder why there was a problem! For me they provide a fascinating backdrop to the ensemble and where they rise above the the overall sound, they are absolutely beautiful and significantly add to the excitement and appeal of the music.

The opening Track 'EXIT STAGE LEFT'is worth the price of admission. The rest of the arrangements are by Rob Pronk, Stan Kenton, gene Roland, Dave Grusin,Thad Jones and more.

I wish I could give you more information about the band, There are videos on Youtube. This one album you should have.

In I-tunes after you have downloaded, create another playlist and move your downloaded tracks to the new play list and burn your CD. Go to 'print' and you will see options; tick CD JEWEL CASE insert and for THEME select MOSAIC, if you album has artwork you will see the cover on the right and track list on left.... then print! Voila!!! Just another way of doing things. After you get used to the idea you can try the other options in the drop down list.

But you knew all this did you not? Actually some did not.

The final concert by this iconic group took place on December the 26th ,1967 in Pittsburgh. The fact that there was a recording made was forgotten by DB until the co-producer of this set Russel Gloyd found the tapes at DB's house. They decided that they had been culled from a soundboard at the concert. They are in excellent mono and although there are alleged to a few flaws I cannot discern any, except that the engineer had to catch up and bring up a soloist on a couple occasions. This double CD is a must have for any quartet fans, and no doubt with drummer Joe Morello's recent passing ,his supporters will be glad to hear something'new' by the man.

In all honesty the quartet sounds a little distracted in places with Desmond, for me well below par, not as fluent and assured as usual.There are good tracks, very good, mostly they appear on CD 1. ST LOUIS BLUES is a standout. CD2. lacks the emotion you would associate with the group's swan song performance. Particularly noticeable in Eugene Wright's SET MY PEOPLE FREE and the Morello solo on FOR DRUMMERS ONLY. No-one can doubt he is among the finest exponants of the drummer's art but, on this occasion it lacks the expected fluent sequing from section to section and his trademark dynamic finish. Very few of his loved trademark licks are present.

Amazon have it and I am in no doubt it will still be a popular buy. As a fan you must get it!

Frank Griffith the tenor player and arranger from Oregon, now domiciled in the UK is Director Of Performance in the School Of Arts at Brunel University. Frank is also a superb clinician who can often be found fronting youth jazz ensembles around the UK. Frank loves to play and to this end produces quality swinging arrangements some of which are featured on this HEP CD.

Unlike some educators Frank is aware that the genre cannot be best served by creating highly technical arrangements that are a challenge for the musician but a bit of a mystery to the non musician.To this end he finds a remarkable balance in his writing. His music always has a swing element, a lyrical predilection that crosses the footlights into the audience every time. His music is joyful, exciting, his writing for the ensemble is a thrill.

The home Counties' finest musicians populate the band and you put is all together and you have a technical success and a genuine entertainment for the jazz loving big band follower. As a bous vocalist Tina May get three of the twelve tracks.Dhe is a delight, to me occasionally reminiscent of the amazing Cleo.

Obtainable from all the usual suspects, this is one you should. British big bands have made quite an impression this last year. Frank continues the fashion.

Stunning release by one of the finest big bands around, a follow up to superb DVD and CDs. ELEVEN is the title due to the 11 tracks played.

Tommy (son of Sonny) Igoe has a big band featuring the top east coast players. Previously the standard of this modern swing big band has been beyond belief and exciting in the extreme. He's at it again!

Technically I have not heard better and from an entertainment standpoint this band is peerless and a must see if you get the chance in New York. This is no po' faced band of muso's, everyone of the guys is having fun, relaxed and achieving magnificent results. Think Woody at his finest and you will be close; marvel at the drummer he is really something else, not over indulging himself like some drummer leaders but propelling his guys along at some unseemly warp factor 5+..

This CD is available via CD Baby and on Tommy Igoe's site - see below.

Trust me, not enough people know of an exceptional big band that exists in Australia, and has done for a number of years. I know I keep saying that whatever band I mention is wonderful, well so they are, but this one has an edge on most and will not doubt appeal to the cognoscenti and the casual listener. Too many arrangers produce music that is technically impressive, and so enjoyed by musicians who love a challenge, but somewhere along the way they can forget the entertainment element. Good music is emotional, with it's respect for Basie, for Woody and any of the great swinging jazz big bands the S.A.S.B.B. covers all bases. The music is challenging no doubt,but the elan, the joy which it is interpreted is immeasurable.

As I have hinted, the best of the best is referred to here. I am certain the majority of the musicians are Australian, Don Rader is there, notorious for his association with the 60's Woody Herman .

Believe me these albums are worth searching out. PYLDRIVER ,advertised by Amazon, isthe second CD, but appear to be hard to stock,If I do find a way I will enter the solution here. I will give you a contact below. Technically brilliant, a superb entertainment; no-one visiting Sydney should miss a chance to catch this band live. I wish I could. If ever a DVD was needed, this is the one to record.

Use your browser, keep searching. It will prove worthwhile if you have some success. If you have to wait, it is worth it.

MN as in Minnesota for those outside America, as I am. So many people are straining every creative muscle to get past the reticence of all parts of the media. This excellent big band here presents excerpts from recent concerts. Being live we hear the band as it is, hitting its mark with an exciting program of swinging big band jazz, including jazz standards, featuring arrangements from within the band and from the libraries of the Late Bob Brookmeyer, from Chris Waldener making his presence felt with his own band featuring his spectacular charts, here he assaults our senses with CHEROKEE.Basie's LESTER LEAPS IN keeps the pot boiling too.

Two tracks allow us to hear two impressive female vocalists. So nice to hear ladies who can project, I am so tired of seemingly listening to the same strangulated 'off the shelf' voice used by allegedly popular singers who think it is that easy. These ladies prove that class, experience and a respect for their art produces results that endure.

Highly recommended CD that will delight those who have loved the music of Thad Jones, Count Basie and Woody Herman. Once again CD Baby make the Cd available to you, no MP3 download at the moment.

Warner Archives have just made available a number of films that were made in the thirties and beyond. Many of these films have been sought after by collectors and at best were available on 'less than perfect' VHS tapes and in U.S. format, or even copies of copies and so on. This particular film is of particular interest to fans of Tommy Dorsey, collectors of Buddy Rich material for me, lovers of the greatest tap dancer of all time 'Ellie' i.e. Eleanor Powell. Who can forget her magnificent dance with Fred Astaire in BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940. This is available on DVD by the way, maybe only Region One Players only (more of that later).

This copy is perfect fidelity, sound and vision. Ms. Powell does an unforgettable acrobatic dance while Rich provides rhythm and breaks on drums. An uncredited Sinatra noodles vocally with Dorsey and an unmissable version of Hawaiian War Chant with ferocious performances by RICH and ZIGGY ELMAN on trumpet. ( no cutting away to audiences and other irritating practices).

The story is typically lightweight as one expected of musicals at the time but HEY I came to hear the band and see Ellie.

Good news is that just about all of her films are available via the Warner Archives and other releases. Now..... the Warner films allege to be Region One (USA only) in fact they seem to NOT be region specific!! I have region free players and region two players and my copies of the Warner releases play on them all. Q.E.D.

I cannot recall whether I have said this before but in Europe , if your DVD player respects only the local system, that may not be a problem. First of all always buy a multi-region player or ask the retailer to make it region free. You can do an internet search for your equipment; Google "DVD Region Hack" or something. You may find that by using your remote control you can enter a code that will do the job. It will not accept a wrong code, so damage should not occur. It never has for me; I am no expert but obviously I cannot expertly guarantee that.

You could also pay for a hardware fix, that may cost a little if it can be done.

This film is a delight for certain fans and you will get it by going to Amazon and searching on WARNER ARCHIVES. There are other older treats as well so a search may be worth it for other reasons too.

I can imagine that a few people will be surprised at the concept. Trust me, ever since I first heard of a group called the MATTESON PHILLIPS TUBA JAZZ CONSORT I have watched for commendable projects. The initial band is no more, but it left a legacy of recording which can still be found if you use Google. I can recommend any recording by the Consort and fortunately the the tradition continues with the creation of the MJT which is dedicated to ensuring that the late Rich Matteson and fellow Tubist Harvey Phillips are remembered.

I have been fortunate enough to see and hear Rich play, once with the Ashley Alexander Tribute band and, in London with his great friend Phil Wilson. The word 'avuncular' was created with Rich In mind and comfortably can be used in relation to the Tuba Jazz Concept which can lull you into a lovely comfort zone with a ballad but conversely can stun you into life when swinging hard: 3 Tubas, and 3 euphoniums hugged by six champions of the middle and low brass world plus a world class rhythm section. Make no mistakes this is a jazz album, with the brass displaying their skills, their dexterity, with the facility of a top class sax section.

You will find this recording on CD Baby and on Amazon, CDs and downloads. Listen to the excerpts and be surprised.

It may surprise you to know that the centre of activity appears to be Nashville. Know, first and foremost for country music but in fact is home to at least two fabulous regular configuration big bands , THE NASHVILLE JAZZ MACHINE: AKA NASHVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA and the CHRIS MCDONALD ORCHESTRA. The former has one LP I know of WHERE'S ELI : hard to find. The latter has several album featuring the leader's arrangements. If you check Amazon you will see several CDs, one featuring hymns and the other Christmas carols. If the concept bothers you, forget the concept and listen to some fabulous charts that may remind some of Rob McConnel. Excellent albums.

This album title, the original album that is has long been hard to find and often quite expensive.It has also been LP only. It may have escaped you but it has recently been released on the Spanish FRESH SOUND label IN GOOD mono' Fi', and is now a two CD collection that includes the original twelve tracks. also included are tracks from DANCE SESSION, KING OF SWING and a dozen LIVE tracks. All music was recorded 53/4/5. Many of us are so lucky to have seen this band. The like will not be seen again; count yourself lucky! This is classic 50's Basie, the experience we would all love have again FOR THE FIRST TIME. Did we know then what we were listening to and how precious the experience was?

You will find this outstanding collection available from Amazon and other usual sources.

There have been a number of similar recordings over the years, including the precursor to this: SNAPPY DOO. They usually involve fairly unimpressive arrangements and have that 'neat' quality that suggest the musicians involved are being very careful not to get lost within the project due to complex layering of tracks.

Hitherto the best I had heard involved the same two musicians involved in this recording. Jeff Hamilton, who I was lucky to meet some years ago, spend time with and count as a friend; put a CD on and challenged me to name the band and the personnel. I guessed the drummer away, it was J.H. The rest flummoxed me completely. The arrangements were of a very high standard as was the section playing and the soloists, each one a virtuoso.

I was astounded to find that two men were involved i.e. J.H. on drums, and the Australian multii-instrumentalist James Morrison. This gentleman is a legend in jazz circles as his skill on every instrument is remarkable. You need the right embouchure to tease good music out of different brass instruments and coax a good sound out of the variety of reeds. To impress the jazz cognoscenti, your jazz improvisation has to be of the highest standard too.

There have been mufti-instrumentalists before but often they are sort of 'one trick ponies', adequate in maybe one tune; a variety act.

Well J.M. has done it again. I listened to it carefully last evening. First of all the section work is exemplary,and rather than super precise, each instrument seems to have just that little bit of individuality and so is organic rather than carefully accurate. The stereo spread is unbelievable showing that each 'presence' plays his horn with a slightly different sound as it does in real life. This album is, for me totally believable and very enjoyable for that.

At this moment the CD is available as a download via I-Tunes and Amazon. Strangely the title track is omitted except on the CD, at this time it is only available from the James Morrison website; see the link below.

It was, I believe in the eighties, that the TATSUI TAKAHASHI TOKIO UNION BIG BAND stunned listeners, I think it was at the Monterey Jazz Festival. One American critic wrote that they (The Japanese) were doing to our music what they did to our cars.

Well they are still able to impress! This particular CD features advanced and very listenable arrangements of standards.The arranger is Mr. UCHIBORI and his music shows distinct signs that he is influenced by the top arrangers in the USA. Listening may reveal to you the music and arranging style of Bob Florence and Rob McConnell and others. I have to say this is a very impressive CD by any standard.

Check out CD Baby, only the CD available as I write.

As and when you see any Japanese Big Band CD for sale, check it out, there are more bands out there.

Mack Avenue Records, the Metro Detroit-based independent jazz label, won a 2012 Best Large Jazz Ensemble Grammy for the release of "The Good Feeling," by the Christian McBride Big Band.

Did I not tell you that this was worth having?

Mc.Bride is one helluva composer/arranger as well as being a bass player of considerable repute. After double checking the album notes just in case I had picked up a copy of the Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis Band, I settled down to listen to one of the most enjoyable new contemporary big bands I have heard. A powerful, swinging aggregation when it needs to be, or a modern swinging big band, no problem.A shouting, energetic group that will have you on the plane to New York to see them perform. Check out YouTube too.

This outstanding big band recorded these tracks in New York with what I assume are top session players, not too many I know, but that is no problem.The standard of soloists compliments the writing perfectly.

Three tracks use vocalist Melissa Walker who has the luxury of sitting on of top of excellent supporting arrangements to great effect.

On CD and via downloads, check CD Baby, Amazon and McBride's website.

If you refer back to some exemplary recordings in the 80's featuring a superb trombone ensemble , five trombones and rhythm, called the Brass Connection, you will find Doug Hamilton produced and performed in this iconic group. And you really must try to get copies. You can find them at silly high prices BUT you may just be able to buy previously owned copies on Amazon or Amazon UK for a reasonable outlay.

This Eleven piece group features arrangements that are wide open to improvisation, see the website for details, note these guys have pedigrees including playing with the bands of the US military; that is always a gold star for me.

One thing I love, which really locks down the quality of the ensemble, is the drumming of Steve Fydik who's excellent time gives urgency to everything played and helps the soloists and the ensemble to move forward.

An excellent jazz recording which you just have to enjoy.

THE DOUG HAMILTON JAZZ BAND is:

BILL LINNEY alto
TEDD BAKER tenor
SCOTT SILBERT baritone
LIESL WHITAKER trumpet
CRAIG FRAEDRICH trumpet
MATT NIESS trombone
JIM ROBERTS guitar
TONY NALKER piano
PAUL HENRY bass
STEVE FIDYK drums
DAVE McCDONALD drums

My late friend Bill Swanson from Grand Rapids Michigan would have been all over this band , would he were still with us. He was an significant member of the music community in the area, supporting and organizing big band events. Anyhow; new band to me, but reading the website it is easy to see why the band is so energetic, so confident, so assured in performance . This is a band that should be experienced live. It rocks and swings in the old fashioned way. This a live performance so very little editing will have taken place. Available at CD Baby....listen to some excerpts. It occasionally reminds me of Woody's 70's band and that ain't bad!

The Late highly respected Allan Ganley, was not only a fine drummer he had a reputation of being an excellent composer and arranger. Yet another brilliant and influential musician who left us too soon. This album is a tribute to him, his arrangers and an impressive assortment of top Home County musicians.

The Allan Ganley Jazz Legacybig band personnel are:

Saxes: Andy Mackintosh, Julian Seigel, Alan Barnes, Roy Willox,
Jimmy Hastings

Trumpets: Simon Gardner, Tony Fisher, Henry Lowther, Martin Shaw,
Mike Lovatt

Trombones: *Mark Nightingale, Cliff Hardie, Gordon Campbell, Bill Geldard,
*Ashley Horton

Piano: John Horler

Bass: Malcolm Creese

Drums: Mike Smith

Guitar: Phil Lee

Musicial Director: Andy Panayi

This is a modern swing jazz big band, This album deserves to be considered alongside the best international big band. Just about every character is a testament to British Jazz. I am particularly proud of two members* who graduated through a band I am proud to be associated with i.e THE MIDLAND YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA eventually doing time with the National Youth Jazz orchestra as did many of our young talents. Funny everyone credits good muso's asbeing ex NYJO ,no credit given to the Y.J.O's in the UK who provide the environment where they learned their craft.

Anyhow gripes aside, an excellent CD that deserves to be on your shelves. If you buy from the site below, all the funds go to a worthy cause...... details on the website. £10.00 is a bargain

I feel sort of inadequate! Me writing a review on what must be the most impressive big band release this year. Surely a Grammy winner next time, I hope those that make the selections, listen to this album and are as impressed as I am.

An awesome display of the arrangers art by the Master: SAMMY NESTICO. What are the pluses? First of all an iconic recording, recorded at one of the most notorious studios i.e. CAPITOL RECORDS in Hollywood.

You want more pluses? O.K., corral the finest musicians on the Coast, Let them lose with gently adjusted arrangements you are already comfortable with, and you are off and running. The minuses!!!! I WAS KIDDING!!!! There aren't any.!

How a performance could be so perfect and still 'hang loose' and swing like this at one moment, and still tear your heart strings the next, with stunning ballads. This man is the most loved and respected in jazz music, Possibly this is why the recording sounds so special. Straight ahead, big band jazz of the highest order.

This CD is available via Sammy's site below and no doubt will be available elsewhere soon.

Occasionally I like to risk the time space continuum and go back in time remind or inform about something you may have missed bearing in mind the appalling service you get from the media.

A favourite LP and now CD for me was the jewel above. It involves two trmbone groups , one on the East Coast and one from the West Coast. Thelist of trombonists is mouthwatering;

Personnel includes: Eddie Bert, Bennie Green, Melba Liston, Barney Kessel, Hank Jones, Marty Paich, Wendell Marshall, Milt Hinton, Bobby Brookmeyer, Melba ListonJimmy Cleveland and Frank Rosolino.

The East Coast and West Coasts have their own agenda. The arrangements are by Jay Jay Johnson and Marty Paich. It just not get better anywhere. Two groups swagger joyfully through gorgeous swinging arrangements. The ensemble playing is awesome, it will make your hair standup.

The LP is hard to find, the Lonehill CD version seems to have drifted out of stock but guess what? You can get a download from Amazon and the track listings are available all over the place. Amazon seems to be creating awaiting list for the CD,, but I reckon it could be aloong wait and life is too short!

You could properly describe the experience as 'JOYFUL'.

Hope you don't mind the reminder!

No way would you turn on your radio and hear this marvellous nonet, I doubt you will see a newspaper review except in Southern California;that's why I go to all this unpaid trouble for you. Check out the personnel below; guys out of the Bob Florence band at least one out of the late Don Ellis band. If you have taken any notice of me you will have at least one of the CDs by the all star Phil Norman Tentet and you will have enjoyed it. I always find it helps to make comparison, I have to suggest this outstanding swinging little big band can compare. A joyful listen for anyone. Not cerebral just great music played by excellent soloists. The arrangements, which include standards are home grown.

You can download this at CD Baby, personnel listing below. As usual tempting excerpts appear on the CD Baby website.

Harry Smallenburg (vibes)
Glenda Smith (tpt)
Jack Coan (tpt)
Sharon Hirata (alto, tenor, soprano sax)
Pete Brooke (alto, soprano sax) (Tracks 7, 4, 10)
Terry Harrington (tenor sax, flute) (All tracks except 4, 10)
Leanne Powers (baritone sax, bass clarinet)
Paul Young (trombone)
Geoff Stradling (piano)
Ernie Nunez (bass)
Megan Foley (drums)

According to a recently read biography, Artie Shaw was sufficiently impressed with the Late Dick Johnson's work to endorse, encourage and attend rehearsals if my memory serves. This 2006 CD features Johnson's East Coast of the USA personel.

He is not a young man, in fact died at age of 83, his chops are excellent and his supporting group is a class act; regulation line-up.

This is a swing album which swings persistantly and certainly has a way with ballad standards. A beautiful recording from an era that rejoiced in the existance of the Great American Songbook.

This is highly recommended and available as a CD from CD Baby, a delighful company to deal with.

Unfortunately Mr. Johnson's website seems to have been taken down, so I cannot get at too much detail. The CD does not give too much background.

I know some may have this but , I like to anticipate some material that you may have missed.

I was one of the founder members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF JAZZ EDUCATORS (NAJE) in the the U.K. I attended my first convention in Detroit in the 80's. An awesome experience, a lot learned, a lot of friends made, in fact a number of heroes became my friends. So much to see and hear.

I remember wandering about the hotel peering in the lobby from a great height trying to recognise the lobby band. I recall that some groups were selected to perform, not in one of the many rooms but in the lobby and you could stop and listen to great music.

On this occasion a fabulous big band reminiscent of the fabulous 60's Herman band was on parade. Their performance was a joy, exciting, assured and an outstanding jazz outfit. I now find that it was, what is now known as the GRAND RAPIDS JAZZ ORCHESTRA, but then was, I think, known as the Bruce Early Big Band. Bruce Early passed away a few years ago and the band is now led by Bob Nixon and legendary Michigan drummer Tim Froncek.

They play regularly at the FOUNDER'S BREWERY CO., hence the JAZZ ON TAP title for one of the most exciting big band CDs I have heard. Check out excerpts on CD Baby and think of how exciting Woody's band was and thus how good this band is.

The album is live, the audience is not over recorded and the fidelity of the recording is such that YOU ARE THERE! Have fun!

I have several albums by this excellent Netherlands Big Band; and what do you know I now have another!! This is no disappointment, probably a more thoughtful program; quite densly orchestrated and a number of tracks close to the cutting edge. It never loses its predeliction to swing but at the same time goes into a stream of conciousness mood which seems appropriate to the swinging mindset. A lot of the transitions involve a remarkable drummer KLAAS VAN DONKERSGOED who somehow keeps it all glued together by refusing to abandon his propensity to drive the band.

I suppose you could say that an influence here is the Brookmeyer influence or, perhaps Jim Mcneeley; more intense perhaps but for me irresistable. I must say that the straight ahead tracks are nothing less than wonderful.

the album is available via CD Baby.

I have been following the fortunes of this band for as long as they have been making recordings. My original recordings were in vinyl and delighted I was to have discovered the DJO. Always look for 'Original' that is the original have no doubt. Leader and lead trumpet is Galen. You will not be allowed to ignore his contribution. I love a big sounding, on the button lead player, which about describes him, add an excellent soloist and you have it. Woody and Kenton both popped in the University of North and lifted a lot of their top players, sort of 'off the shelf'. The DJO has benefited from its proximity too.. Expect a muscular, swinging straight ahead big band, no nonsense here. AS certain arrogance and assurance is not misplaced; they know they are good and strut their stuff with abandon.

They are on CD at CD Baby.

This album has been one of the most sought after albums ever. It was a labour of love by Ted McNabb. Although he was a musician who had trainiexceeded by her ambitionng on various instruments, in the final analysis he wasa wealthy jazz fan with a girlfriend who sang, who's talent was did not live up to her ambitions. McNabb contacted arranger Marion Evans who was not impressed with the girl, did some arrangements anyhow, auditioned the girl who, as expected did not impress. In any case McNabb, remember this was 1959 produced $10,000 and told them told to do an album anyhow.McNabb was a director at Bell and Howell; he bought 100,000 copies of the album for the staff at B & H. The album which featured the top musicians on the East Coast produced a superb swinging big band epic. It appeared on Fresh Sounds as an LP, sold out and has been in the archives for years. Fresh Sounds have now created a CD from their master, it is in stereo and a true class. Highly recommended.

I am having a little problem sourcing this attractive CD by a continuingly improving New Zealand Big Band. The music comes from the Pen of ex-Buddy Rich keyboardist Bill Cunliffe and includes music that Buddy Rich played. Some fine Ellington references as well as newer compostions. I have an email for Mr. Fox: RDFOX@IHUG.CO.NZ.

I can't tell you too much about this Austrian Big Band. It was recorded in 1963, that is a good thing right? There is a timeless quality about this Blue Notey approach to their library. They concentrate on the soloing ability of these excellent Austrian musicians having the sections provide tasty backgrounds. Relaxing and listening I was reminded of those jazz themes providing atmosphere for the spy thriller I was watching in 50's and 60's. In fact a little research confirmed I was right. Again, that is a good thing.Nothing more evocative than well placed mood music withing a good film.. Make no mistake this is also a swinging outfit. You may have to check your download sites. I have to find out where these items cam from.

The music scene benefits from ex-students, now , as professional musicians who have had the distinct benefit of studying with leader Bob Lark over the years. This is the debut recording of the 'Alumni Band'. You would never believe that support for big bands is on the wane! the energy and enthusiasm of these guys is spectacular. A studio recorded album that generates it's own excitement playing music composed and / or arrangements created by member. Hard driving no nonsense modern swing big band. 68 joyful minutes.. Check out Amazon for copies.

If you are aware of the top musicians and jazz groups in the New York area, you will know that the musicians here are the creme de la creme of that select group. Treni left the scene some time ago but was eventually sucked back in and the result is the assembly of yet another superb group. The playing here is relaxed, exciting faultless.modern swing arrangements hit you between the eyes, striking a balance between the old time swing imperative and acceptable modern adjustments that reflect how things have moved on and still impress even casual listeners. This is available as a download as well as a CD, and well worth adding to your collection. The sort of album that over the 25-30 years I was able to to bring to the notice of countless collectors and converts.

'Thinking Man's' big band from the East Coast. It is the arranger Treni who is doing the thinking. With the help of the finest musicians on the East Coast he is able to express himself and bring to life this wonderful music.This is a modern big band no doubt but the listener does not necessarily come second to those who are enjoying the theory. Another band I would love to see and here and enjoy his adding his take on the music of Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer and perhaps Bill Holman and the way he weaves in his own magic. A very exciting band. I suspect there are elements that echo Stan Kenton's later work, in particularly the density of the writing, her we have a strong swing element. Check our usual suppliers. IO know CD Baby will oblige.

The great work of European big bands escapes the notice of many reviewers and certainly does not get airtime; perhaps on the BBC.... sorry, I was kidding! There is one exception and that is Gary Copley on Radio Leeds, British listeners can get to his program on the BBC I Player. If you know Gary, tell him to visit my pages. Back to the CD, I understand that I use superlatives often but bear in mind that I try to feature the best of what's about and, as you may know, I don't miss too many. No-one sets out to make a bad album, many understandable factors sometimes dictate that only so much technical attention can be afforded. I cannot bring myself to bad mouth anyone's efforts.

Back to the plot, this album is a tribute to the late Gianni Basso a leader of the band in the past. The guest artiste is Dusko Duskokovich who's pyrotechnical performances with the Herman Herd thrilled us all in the 60's.This is as good a modern jazz big band as you will ever here, and you will hear echoes of another golden era in the 60's, no bad thing!

The current tiresome exclamation 'WOW FACTOR' should be applied here. You will not regret getting this album.

Check out Amazon for copies, catch the band on Youtube.

I approached this CD with some apprehension. Everything about it promised that sort of pretension that leaves me cold. Boy was I wrong! This music is thrilling, admittedly densely scored, tricks and artifices not heard too often, raise and lower the temperature, the melodic imperative, the need to swing are never ignored. Strangely, the challenges of the arrangements all find a sort of logic that keeps everyone interested, the dynamics that a live audience would experience, are breathtaking.

To my eternal shame I know few of the names involved but somehow one feels that the orchestra has summoned up the greats of the past and given them another chance to impress.

I have to mention arranger Rich Shemarisa, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet, 'so right' swinging drummer Will Terrill and NYU Jazz Studies Director DR David Schroeder on Soprano sax.

Check out some of the excerpts you can find on the 'net including on Amazon.

I have no idea what is happening in New York but there seems to be a rash of outstanding big band recordings recently. Do you recall the BLINDFOLD test featured in Downbeat some years ago when the cognoscenti hear recordings blind and had their comments printed in the magazine. Very occasionally a recording would confuse and credit for a great album would be given a 'name band'. Well this album would probably do that, This is a fourteen piece big band band that gives space to all of the soloists, at the appropriate time showing off the immaculate ensemble. A loose big band that swings in a sixties, seventies way.

Some details below. Downloads at CD Baby and available elsewhere and definately worth your time.

If you have an account search for JRK.

Click the link below

http://jrk.hubpages.com/hub/newbigbandreleases