Before you dismiss big bands as
obsolete as an eight track, you should understand that there remains to this
day scores of dedicated cats who happily participate in big bands much like
this one. These guys play invigorating arrangements of standards, originals and
even charts based on the changes to familiar works. Two complete examples of
the latter would be "All The Things You Aren't" (get it?) and
"Swansong" which you'll know from Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake".
Other dependables include "Love For Sale", "Caravan",
"Autumn Leaves", "Teach Me Tonight", and even "When
Johnny Comes Marching Home"! Solid musicianship abounds here and
widespread solo work is first class. One can hear that these guys and gals are
having a blast! The band reminds me a bit of Rob McConnell's high flying
ensembles---where everyone gets a chance to blow and have a grand time doing
so. Hats off to those dedicated musicians keeping big bands alive and vibrant.
People like THIS.
Summit Records; 2019; appx. 74
min.
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