Big Bands
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
Invitation
Pacific Coast Jazz
How do you make a small band sound like a big band? Call Dr. Bruce Eskovitz, an imaginative arranger who can splash color over his scores. He also knows the right five players who can double on their horns to bring those colors to swinging life. Add the...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
If Dreams Come True
Gjazz
Call it retro swing; call it two-beat; call it corny. Or be honest and call it successful. George Gee, reputedly the only Chinese-American bandleader in the business, keeps his guys working. If they stay at or near home (they’re based in New York City...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
American Gotham
ArtistShare
A fascinating experiment in fusion is happening in the Apple involving the 50-piece Gotham Wind Symphony. It has released its second CD, reinforced by the 21-piece LaGuardia High School Jazz Orchestra. The added weight tends to exacerbate the main problem...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
Dangerous Liaison
DOM
Two years ago Belgian composer/trumpeter Bert Joris received a commission to write two extended works plus two shorter pieces for the BJO and the Philharmonic. He rose to the challenge eloquently, also serving as main soloist for the four works premiered...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
Live at Chris’ Jazz Café: A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson
Jump City
The Philadelphia area is blessed by the professional and amateur musicians of the Jump City Jazz Orchestra. They rehearse weekly and perform twice a month. That’s not merely a statement; it’s also a caveat. Their second CD, recorded live, reflects some raggedness...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
Cool, Hot & Swingin’
Tantara Productions
Oh, those nifty ’50s: when Stan Kenton refused to rock around the clock. That’s when he ended his final “concept” band, reduced his trumpet and trombone sections to four each, added two French horns and a tuba and went on the road. One of the first gigs...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
Changing Faces
O+
Never thought I’d be mentioning that pre-Crosby crooner, Rudy Vallee, in this space, but one of the tunes associated with the megaphone meister, “Deep Night,” receives a surprisingly hip, propulsive makeover. It typifies the extremes to be found here. Linx...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
Nutville
Sea Breeze
One of the best-kept secrets in the big band genre is Brad Steinwehe. Two facts are established: he has been one of the leading jazz educators at San Diego State University, where this CD was recorded during ’05 and ’06; and he is one of the most highly...
January/February 2008 By Harvey Siders
All In
WJO
You can thank Mike Holober for filling this inexcusable void: the WJO was formed in 2003, but it wasn’t until Holober became artistic director in 2007 that the inevitable CD debut became reality. All those chosen for inclusion in the new release (talk about...
September 2007 By Harvey Siders
Metropole
Rhubarb
Ever wonder why certain leaders (particularly those who build a core group of sidemen for their rehearsal bands) can always count on the loyalty of the best readers and swingers? Just listen to any Mike Barone album and read its liner notes. Barone is one...
