Last post of 2006

I'll be back in 2007, sometime around the 2nd week of January.

Happy Holidays!

Petite Blonde - Petite Blonde (1992)

Bill Evans - Soprano & Tenor Sax
Chuck Loeb - Guitar
Mitch Foreman - Keyboards
Victor Bailey - Bass
Dennis Chambers - Drums

1. Two Price Hit
2. Brancas Hal
3. Millenium
4. Oh So Hip
5. Daddy's Long Leg
6. The Watcher
7. Captain Brutis

"One of the most exciting progressive jazz combos since Miles Davis' various sidemen formed Return to Forever and Weather Report some two decades ago, the Petite Blonde quintent's new live recording features the same up-tempo, energetic fusion jazz as those two '70s combos.

Composed of bassist Victor Bailey, drummer Dennis Chambers, keyboardist Mitch Forman, guitarist Chuck Loeb and saxophonist Bill Evans, Petite Blonde's hard-driving performance can cause even listeners to break out in a good sweat.

The band is always melodic, never allowing exuberance or imagination to get out of control. At the same time, as soloists the give musicians continually push each toher further and further, until each song reaches a crescendo of ideas.

It's pretty heady stuff, and a heck of a lot of fun to listen to."

Britain/Moore Duo - Cricket City (1993)

Mat Britain - Steel Pans & Percussion
Dan Moore - Marimba & Percussion

1. Headlong
2. Summertime
3. Almost Calypso
4. Duality
5. Sing Sing Sing
6. Crystal Silence
7. The Nearness Of You
8. Friday Calypso
9. Cricket City

Mat Britain has pursued his love of percussion from the plains of Kansas to the island of Trinidad where he performed with the Amoco Renegades Steel Band at the prestigious Panorama Festival. Living in Nashville, Tennessee, he leads his popular steel band, Deep Grooves, and is active in the recording industry. From 1996 to 1999, Britain was percussionist with Grammy Award winning Country/Pop artist Lee Greenwood.

Dan Moore followed his dream of being a percussionist from the big state of Texas to the Big Ten University of Iowa where he is a professor of music and Percussion Area Head. His performance energies focus on his brainchild, the MIDI-marimba, a unique setup that he developed to augment the acoustic sounds of the marimba with electronically-triggered sounds.

Paquito D'Rivera & The United Nations Orchestra - A Night in Englewood (1993)

Saxes: Paquito D'Rivera, Marshall Mcdonald, Andres Boiarsky, Steve Sacks, Mario Rivera
Trumpets: Byron Stripling, Mike Ponella, Diego Urcola
Trombone: Conrad Herwig
Rhythm: Romero Lubambo (guitar), Mike Orta (piano), Carlos Franzetti (piano), Oscar Stagnaro (bass), Adam Cruz (drums)
Guest Artists: Slide Hampton (trombone), Claudio Roditi (trumpet), Dave Samuels (marimba, vibes), Raul Jaurena (bandoneon)

1. Snow Samba
2. Alma Llanera
3. I Remember Diz
4. Blues For Astor
5. Modo Cubano
6. La Puerta
7. Bonitinha
8. Milonga Para Paquito
9. To Brenda With Love

Claude Bolling Big Band - Live at the Meridien - Paris (1984)

Saxes: Jean Aldegon, Claude Tissendier, Andre Villeger, Marcel Canillard, Pierre Shirrer
Trumpets: Maurice Thomas, Jean-Pierre Ramirez, Jean-Claude Verstraete, Michel Delakian, Fernand Verstrate
Trombones: Charles Verstraete, Benny Vasseur, Francois Guin, Emile Vilain
Rhythm: Jean-Paul Charlap (guitar), Jean-Francois Rouge (bass), Jean-Luc Dayan (drums), Claude Bolling (piano)

1. Jazzomania
2. Le Piège
3. Geneviève
4. Africaine
5. Le Cour a ses raisons
6. Barbuflux
7. Coup de chapeau
8. Lagaffe

NTSU One O'Clock Lab Band - Lab 2003 (2003)

Saxes: Tyler Summers, Stephen Clothier, Clay Prichard, Tom Luer, Aaron Lington
Trumpets: Dave Anderson, Zach Heffley, Ken McGill, Jay Jennings, Ken Edwards
Trombones: Jeff Valentine, David Winslow, Adam Jensen, Bryan English, Dan West
Rhythm: Neil Shah (piano), Kevin Brunkhorst (guitar), Matt Wigton (bass), Stockton Helbing (drums)

1. That
2. The Black Widow
3. Horizon
4. Changing Spaces
5. If Steve McQueen Were Here
6. Translucence
7. Paradigm Shift
8. Nature vs. Nurture
9. Rhyth Migot

NTSU One O'Clock Lab Band - The Best of One O'Clock (1992)

1. Hello, Young Lovers (Lab '68)
2. Evening in Lucerne (Lab '81)
3. Easy to Love (Lab '67)
4. Miles Files (Lab '86)
5. FM (Lab '75)
6. Secret Love (Lab '72)
7. Sky Window (Lab '90)
8. Love Beams (Lab '76)
9. Quality Time (Lab '88)
10. Nuance (Live in Australia)
11. Got a Match? (Lab '89)

Chase - Listen To Her Sing (1996)

Trumpets: Bill Chase, Ted Piercefield, Jerry Van Blair, Alan Ware
Valve Trombone: Piercefield
Guitar: Angel Smith
Bass: Dennis Johnson
Keyboards: Phil Porter
Drums: Jay Burrid (1-5,7); Gary Smith (6,8-13)
Vocal: Terry Richards (2-5); GG Shinn (12,13); Ted Piercefield (6,8,9,12)

1-5,7: 1971 appearance on a Chicago TV show
6,8-11: 1972 studio session
12,13: Live concert

1. Open Up Wide
2. Handbags and Gladrags
3. Woman of the Dark
4. Listen To Her Sing
5. Get It On
6. LOVE
7. Hades
8. Frustration
9. Dead
10. Close Up Tight
11. Twinkles
12. Bits and Pieces
13. Celebrate

The Glenn Miller Orchestra - In The Christmas Mood I & II (1992)

Disc: 1
1. Sleigh Ride
2. Yuletide Medley #1: Oh Holy Night / Joy To The World / Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem / Deck The Halls
3. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
4. Silver Bells
5. Jingle Bells
6. Frosty The Snowman
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8. Yuletide Medley #2: Oh Christmas Tree / It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / We Three Kings / What Child Is This?
9. I'll Be Home For Christmas
10. Silent Night
11. In The Christmas Mood

Disc: 2
1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
2. White Christmas
3. Yuletide Medley #1: Away In A Manger / Ave Maria / The First Noel
4. Twelve Days Of Christmas, The
5. Winter Wonderland
6. Christmas Song, The
7. Yuletide Medley #2: Hark The Herald Angels Sing / Angels We Have Heard On High / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / O Come All Ye Faithful
8. Home For The Holidays (There's No Place Like)
9. Good King Wenceslas
10. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
11. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
12. Auld Lang Syne

Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

1. O Tannenbaum
2. What Child Is This
3. My Little Drum
4. Linus And Lucy
5. Christmas Time Is Here ( Instrumental)
6. Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal)
7. Skating
8. Hark The Herald Angel Sings
9. Christmas Is Coming
10. Fur Elise
11. The Christmas Song
12. Greensleeves

The first time you listen to this disc you will undoubtedly be transported directly back to your childhood. Charles Schulz's Peanuts characters will go toe-tapping and funky-dancing through your mind's eye. Play it a few more times, though (ignoring the dialogue snippets, if you can), and you will begin to truly revel in Guaraldi's wonderful, humorous, deep piano playing. You'll hear why he's such an influence on new age ivory tickler George Winston, but you'll also realize that Winston's holiday music never quite sparkles with the underlying passion, and humor, that twinkles in these grooves. Get it for the nostalgia--keep it because it will remain one of the most enchanting albums in your holiday collection.

Dean Martin - Season's Greetings (1992)

CD Released 1992

1. White Christmas
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
3. Baby, It's Cold Outside
4. A Winter Romance
5. Winter Wonderland
6. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
8. The Christmas Blues
9. Out In The Cold Again
10. It Won't Cool Off

Dean Martin's holiday specials qualified as "must-see TV" decades before that phrase was coined. His easygoing charm and velvety smooth voice won over a generation of fans in the 1950s and 1960s--and still holds sway over modern-day hipsters. This holiday album helps to show why. Never one for cheap sentiment, Dino sticks to the sultry ballads that he knows so well, emphasizing tunes like "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" over traditional carols.

Stan Kenton - Kenton in Hi-Fi (1956)

Saxes: Skeets Herfurt, Lennie Niehaus, Bill Perkins, Spence Sinatra, Vido Musso (solos only), Jack Nimitz
Trombones: Milt Bernhart, Carl Fontana, Bob Fitzpatrick, Kent Larsen, Don Kelly
Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Pete Candoli, Sam Noto, Ed Leddy, Vinnie Tanno, Don Paladino
Rhythm: Ralph Blaze (guitar), Chico Guerrero (percussion), Mel Lewis (drums), Stan Kenton (piano, leader)

1. Artistry Jumps
2. Interlude
3. Intermission Riff
4. Minor Riff
5. Minor Riff (Alt. Take)
6. Collaboration
7. Painted Rhythm
8. Southern Scandal
9. Peanut Vendor
10. Eager Beaver
11. Concerto To End
12. Artistry In Boogie
13. Lover
14. Unison Riff
15. Opus In Pastels
16. Machito
17. Artistry In Rhythm

Stan Kenton - New Concepts Of Artistry In Rhythm (1952)

Trumpets: Conte Candoli, Buddy Childers, Maynard Ferguson, Don Dennis, Ruben McFall
Trombones: Bob Fitzpatrick, Keith Moon, Frank Rosolino, Bill Russo, George Roberts
Saxes: Lee Konitz, Vinnie Dean, Richie Kamuca, Bill Holman, Bob Gioga
Rhythm: Stan Kenton (piano, leader), Sal Salvador (guitar), Don Bagley (bass), Stan Levy (drums) Derek Walton (conga)
vocal: Kay Brown (7)

1. Prologue (This Is An Orchestra!)
2. Portrait Of A Count
3. Young Blood
4. Frank Seaking
5. 23 Degrees N-82 Degrees W
6. Taboo
7. Lonesome Train
8. Invention For Guitar And Trumpet
9. My Lady
10. Swing House
11. Improvisation
12. You Go To My Head

Randy Brecker - In the Idiom (1986)

Randy Brecker, trumpet & flugel
Joe Henderson, tenor sax
David Kikoski, piano
Ron Carter, bass
Al Foster, drums

1 No Scratch
2 Hit or Miss
3 Forever Young
4 Sang
5 You're in My Heart
6 There's a Mingus a Monk Us
7 Moontide
8 Little Miss P

Louie Bellson - The Best of Louie Bellson (1987)

Trumpets: (2,4,5,7,9) Snooky Young, Dick Mitchell, Dick Cooper; (1,6) Bobby Shew, Cat Anderson, Conte Candoli, Walter Johnson, Ron King; (3,8) Blue Mitchell
Trombones: (2,4,5,7,9) Gil Falco, Ernie Tack, Mayo Tiana; (1,6) Nick DiMaio, Bob Payne, Alan Kaplan, Dana Hughes
Saxes: (2,4,5,7,9) Larry Covelli, Bill Byrne; (1,6) Don Menza, Peter Christlieb, Dick Spencer, Ted Nash, Andy Macintosh; (3,8) Peter Christleib
Keyboards: (2,4,5,7,9) Nat Pierce; (1,3,6,8) Ross Tompkins
Bass: (2,4,5,7,9) John Williams; (1,6) John Heard; (3,8) Gary Pratt
Guitar: (2,4,5,7,9) Mitch Holder; (1,6) Grant Geissman; (3,8) Bob Bain
Drums: Louie Bellson

1. Sunshine Swing
2. Chameleon
3. Melody For Thelma
4. Intimacy Of The Blues
5. Movin' On
6. Niles Blues
7. Quiet Riots
8. I Wonder Why
9. Night Birds

Louie Bellson - Hot (1988)

Drums, leader: Louie Bellson
Trumpets: Robert Millikan, Brian O'Flaherty, Larry Lunetta, Danny Cahn, Glenn Drews
Trombones: Don Mikkelsen, Hale Rood, Clinton Sharman, Keith O'Quinn
Saxes: Joe Roccisano, Don Menza, Jack Stuckey, George Opalisky, Kenny Hitchcock
Rhythm: John Bunch (piano), Jay Leonhart (bass)

Tracks recorded December 7 & 9, 1987.

1. Caravan
2. Ode to a Friend
3. The Peaceful Poet
4. Together We Rise
5. Hot
6. Hookin' It
7. Waltzing at Denison
8. Walkin' with Buddy

Buddy Rich - Time Being (1987)

Personnel includes: Buddy Rich (drums), Brian A. Grivna (alto saxophone, flute), Pat LaBarbera, Don Englert (tenor & soprano saxophone, flute), Joe Calo, Richard Centalonza (baritone & soprano saxophone, flute), Lin Bivano, Jeff Stout, Wayne Naus (trumpet), Bruce Paulson, Eric Culver (trombone), John Leys (bass trombone), Bob Peterson, Bob Dogan (piano), David Spinozza, Walt Namuth (guitar), Paul Kondziela, Bob Daugherty, Joel DiBartolo (bass), Candido Camero (congas, bongos), Phil Kraus (percussion).

1. Paul's Tune
2. Chelsea Bridge
3. Straight No Chaser
4. Dancing Men
5. Little Train
6. Two Bass Hit
7. Time Being
8. Best Coast
9. Space Shuttle
10. Sassy Strut

Tracks 1-3 recorded at RCA Studio C, New York on August 13 & 16, 1971. Originally released on A DIFFERENT DRUMMER. Tracks 4-7 recorded live at Ronnie Scott's Club, London, England on December 6-8, 1971. Originally released on RICH IN LONDON. Tracks 8-10 recorded at RCA Studio C, New York on August 10, 1972. Originally released on STICK IT.
TIME BEING shows the Buddy Rich Big Band in transition, reaching out to audiences attracted to the traditional big band style by such best-selling rock acts as Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Without really changing his style an iota, the great drummer delineates the connections between big beat and swing beat, while driving his brash, brassy band like a well-oiled sports car through such rave-ups as Dizzy Gillespie's "Two Bass Hit" and Thelonious Monk's "Straight No Chaser," as well as more contemporary backbeat-oriented groovers like "Paul's Tune" and "Sassy Strut."

UNC Jazz Lab Band I - Alive X "Off The Cuff" (1991)

Saxes: Dav Hoof, Jill Geist, Sam Fagaly, Laura Kimberlin, Ed Orgill
Trombones: Paul Brewer, Mike Turnbull, Chris Culver, Dave Wulfeck, Tom Matta
Trumpets: Paul Quist, Darryl Abrahamson, Dave Scott, Doug Snapp, Jyle Gregory
Rhythm: Garth Alper (piano), George Hess (guitar), Eric Thorin (bass), Tom VanSchoick (drums)

1. All Blues
2. Gettin' Sentimental Over You
3. Off the Cuff
4. Theme Without A Movie
5. Mid-Brain Revivalists
6. Stella By Starlight
7. Guarabe
8. Autumn Nocturne
9. Goombay Smash
10. Gotham City

UNC Jazz Lab Band I - Alive, 1989! (1989)

Saxes: Dav Hoof, Rick Nelson, Michael Cox, Jill Geist, Fritz Whitney
Trumpets: Paul Quist, Darryl Abrahamson, Todd Kelly Suzzane Higinbotham, Dave Scott
Trombones: Brad Schmidt, Mike Buckley, Dave Wiske, Dan Gauper, Tom Matta
Rhythm: Skip Wilkins (piano), Eric Thorin (bass), Terry Vermillion (drums), Tom VanSchoick (percussion), Mike Packer (timbales)

1. Yes and No
2. Upside, Downside
3. Deep Voices
4. Shuffle Scuffle
5. Out of Commission
6. I Only Have Eyes For You
7. Critical Factor
8. Only Forever
9. On The Edge
10. Why Not?
11. The Trolley Song

UNLV Jazz Ensemble - Caliente, Muy Caliente (1991)

Guest Soloist: Don Menza
Saxes: Tony Micheletty, Rob Mader, Russell Burt, Doc Brown, Nate McClendon
Trumpets: Tim Jones, Glenn Colby, Gary Cordell, Paul Pugh, Kim Peterson
Trombones: Aldofo Ruiz, Neil Maxa, Chris Nelson, Jerald Gray
Rhythm: Frank Salerno (piano), Steve Barclay (bass), Joe Malone (drums)

1. Just Friends
2. All The Things You Are
3. Rose Tattoo
4. A Night In Windsor
5. BBC
6. Red Men's Revenge
7. Shuffle Brothers
8. Imagine What A Change Will Do
9. Samba DeRollins

Tom Kubis Big Band - Slightly Off The Ground (1989)

Saxes: Dan Higgins, Greg Huckins, Gordon Goodwin, Bill Liston, Paul Baker
Trumpets: George Graham, Wayne Bergeron, Dan McGurn, Stan Martin, Charlie Peterson
Trombones: Charile Moralis, Andy Martin, Alex Iles, Rich Bullock
Rhythm: Matt Catingub (piano), Kevin Axt (bass), Mike Higgins (guitar), Matt Johnson (drums)

1. Purple Porpoise Parkway
2. Exactly Like This
3. Play It Again, Sam
4. Who Can I Turn To
5. Slightly Off The Ground
6. Which Craft?
7. Ain't It Wonderful
8. Teach Me Tonight
9. Samba Dees Godda Do It
10. When You're Smiling
11. Imagine What A Change Will Do
12. Alexander's Big Time Band

Bob Florence - State of the Art (1988)

Woodwinds: Lanny Morgan, Kim Richmond, Dick Mitchell, Bob Cooper, Bob Efford, John Lowe
Trumpets: George Graham, Charlie Davis, Warren Luening, Steve Huffsteter, Larry Ford
Trombones: Chauncey Welsch, Rick Culver, Charlie Loper (1), Herbie Harper, Don Waldrop
Rhythm: Bob Florence (piano), Tom Warrington (bass), Peter Donald (drums), Alex Acuna (percussion)

1. Just Friends
2. Moonlight Serenade
3. Silky
4. The Crunch
5. Stella By Starlight
6. All The Things You Are
7. Mr. Paddington
8. BBC
9. Auld Lang Syne

Dizzy Gillespie - To Diz With Love (1992)

Recorded live at the Blue Note, New York, New York from January 29-February 1, 1992.

Personnel: Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Cheatham (3), Jon Faddis (3), Wynton Marsalis (2,4), Claudio Roditi (1,5), Red Rodney (2), Wallace Roney (1,5), Charlies Sepulveda (4) (trumpet); Junior Mance (piano); Peter Washington (bass); Kenny Washington (drums).

1. Billie's Bounce
2. Confirmation
3. Mood Indigo
4. Straight No Chaser
5. A Night In Tunisia

Bill Holman - Brilliant Corners (1997)

Bill Holman (conductor)
Woodwinds: Bill Perkins (soprano & alto saxophones, flute); Pete Christlieb (soprano & tenor saxophones, flute); Ray Herrmann (soprano & tenor saxophones); Lanny Morgan (alto saxophone, flute); Bob Efford (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet)
Trumpets: Carl Saunders, Frank Szabo, Ron Stout, Bob Summers
Trombones: Jack Redmond, Andy Martin, Bob Enevoldsen (valve trombone), Kenny Shroyer
Rhythm: Rich Eames (piano), Dave Carpenter (acoustic bass), Bob Leatherbarrow (drums)

1. Straight, No Chaser
2. Bemsha Swing
3. Thelonious
4. 'Round Midnight
5. Bye-Ya
6. Misterioso
7. Friday the 13th
8. Rhythm-A-Ning
9. Ruby, My Dear
10. Brilliant Corners

Recorded at Oceanway Recorders, Hollywood, California on February 11 & 12, 1997. BRILLIANT CORNERS was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance. "Straight, No Chaser" won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement. This is not your run-of-the-mill big band record. Rarely does a recording come along that captures the quirky, sly and swinging eccentricities of Thelonious Monk's compositions in such an unusual setting. Leader and arranger Bill Holman employs swift changes in texture, style and color with just the right amount of straight ahead swing. Bartok-like dissonances are used to such dramatic effect that the tension-and-release feel of the arrangements is a roller coaster ride in itself. Monk would have been proud. Rather than just creating big band arrangements of standard Monk tunes, a feat in itself, Holman has expanded upon the very nature of the compositions. Classics like "Straight, No Chaser" and "Rhythm-A-Ning" take on new sides to their respective characters. The standard "'Round Midnight" comes at you with a dark, mysterious, Hitchcockian demeanor before rolling into a slow, bluesy feel. Likewise, "Bemsha Swing," "Misterioso" and "Brilliant Corners" reveal fresh faces in their daring arrangements. The spirit of Monk is alive and well on this superb date.

Kansas City Boulevard Big Band - Kansas City Boulevard Big Band (1994)

Saxes: Bill Caldwell, Vince Gnojak, Craig Treinen, Paul Harr, Tod Wilkinson, Carl Bender, Doug Talley, James Issac, Eric McGinnis, Jim Vandel
Trumpets: Jay Sollenberger, Al Pearson, Steve Malloy, Dave Aaberg, Rene Bernard, Chuck Tumlinson, Michael McGraw
Trombones: Greg Finch, Jim Cann, Matt Kern, Bruce Tychinski, Lindsey Willams, Norm Vagn, Lee Hill Kavanugh
Rhythm: Wayne Hawkins, Paul Hofmann, Joe Cartwright (piano), Tim Brewer, James Jeffley, Bob Bowman (bass), Danny Embrey (guitar), Tod Straight, Tom Morgan (drums)

1. Revenge of the Cow
2. There will Never be Another You (featuring Kevin Mahogony)
3. Widow's Walk
4. What'll I Do
5. The Cheese that Time Forgot
6. I Concentrate on You (featuring Karrin Allyson)
7. Return of the Mid-Brain Revivalist
8. Yes I Do
9. Skydance
10. Midge's Late Valentine
11. Someday My Prince Will Come

The unit's self-titled Sea Breeze Jazz album is one of the real gems among the swollen ranks of the big band dates this year. The titles of the original fare like "Revenge of the Cow" and "The Cheese that Time Forgot" only begin to hint at the hip attitude these KC jazzers reflect. With an abundance of the first rate soloists at his command — saxophonists Craig Treinen and Bill Caldwell, among others, are sensational. Leader/trumpeter Michael McGraw has the stuff that's needed to update a Kansas City big band tradition that includes Count Basie, among others of note. Balancing the program with arrangements of such classic titles as "What'll I Do" and featuring guest vocals by Concord Jazz artist Karrin Allyson and emerging Enja label star Kevin Mahogany, this record achieves a nice balance of styles. But it's the band's energy and versatility that forms the strong, lasting impression."

Holiday

Time for a little breather. I will be away from my computer for a few days. Good time to review the archives, 'eh?

Clark Terry - Clark Terry's Big Bad Band Live at the Wichita Jazz Festival (1974)

Reeds: Jimmy Heath, Ernie Wilkins, Phil Woods, Arnie Lawrence, Charles Davis
Trumpets: Clark Terry, Jimmy Nottingham, Oscar Gamby, Richard Williams, Greg Bobulinski
Trombones: Sonny Constanza, Jack Jeffers, Janice Robinson, Jimmy Wilkins, Chuck Connors
Rhythm: Ed Soph (drums), Wilbur Little (bass), Duke Jordan (piano)

1. Una Mas
2. Nefertiti
3. Take The 'A' Train
4. Randi
5. Mumbles
6. Sheba
7. Cold T'ater Stomp

"Clark Terry led a short-lived big band in the mid-1970's and it is that 18-piece orchestra that is showcased on this set from the 1974 Wichita Jazz Festival. With arrangements by Ernie Wilkins, Phil Woods, Jimmy Heath and Allan Foust, the emphasis during this CD reissue is on swinging in a beboppish fashion. However C.T. kept an open mind and his performance also has versions of Kenny Dorham's "Una Mas" and Wayne Shorter's "Nefertiti" along with some more basic material. In addition to the flugelhornist-leader (who takes a trademark vocal on "Mumbles" and good-humoredly announces the songs), such soloists as altoist Phil Woods, tenorman Jimmy Heath and pianist Duke Jordan are among the more important voices. This is an easily recommended recording for straightahead jazz fans."

Maynard Ferguson - Body & Soul (1986)

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Wayne Bergeron, Alan Wies
Trombone: Alex Iles
Saxes: Tim Ries, Rick Margitza
Rhythm: Todd Carlon (keyboards), Dave Miller (drums), Dave Carpenter (bass), Steve Fisher (percussion), Michael Higgins (guitar)

1. Expresso
2. Body & Soul
3. M.O.T.
4. Mira Mira
5. Last Dive
6. Beautiful Hearts
7. Central Park

From All Music Guide: "Trumpeter Maynard Ferguson cut back on his big band around this time, utilizing an 11-piece group with six horns and an expanded rhythm section; best known among his sidemen is tenor-saxophonist Rick Margitza. MF uses electronics on some of the selections and swings a bit on "Body and Soul." In addition to Margitza, the other soloists include guitarist Michael Higgins, altoist Tim Ries and keyboardist Todd Carlon."

Maynard Ferguson - Live from San Francisco (1983)

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Hoby Freeman, Hugh Ragin, Alan Wise
Trombones: Chris Braymen, Steve Wiest
Saxes: Tim Ries, Dan Jordan, Denis DiBlasio
Rhythm: Gregg Bissonette (drums), Matt Bissonette (bass), Ron Pedley (keyboards)

1. Fireshaker
2. Coconut Champagne
3. Lush Life
4. South 21st Shuffle
5. Bebop Buffet
6. On the Sunny Side of the Street
7. Ganesha

All Music Guide: "This album was Maynard Ferguson's strongest jazz album in quite a few years. Utilizing a small big band comprised of 12 pieces, Ferguson is in consistently fiery form during a session recorded live from the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. "Bebop Buffet" (which has quotes from many bop classics) is a highpoint and these versions of "Lush Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (along with four group originals) are quite enjoyable; baritonist Denis DiBlasio's arrangements are a major asset."

Maynard Ferguson - MF Horn 3 (1973)

Columbia KC32403

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Alan Downey, Mike Davis, Tony Mabett, Terry Noonan
Trombones: Billy Graham, Adrian Drover, Geoff Wright
Saxes: Andy Mackintosh, Tony Buchanan, Bruce Johnstone
Rhythm: Randy Jones (drums), Pete Jackson (piano), Vimu Mukunda (veena), Dave Markee (bass), Ray Cooper (Latin)

1. Awright, Awright
2. ’Round Midnight
3. Nice ’n’ Juicy
4. Pocahontas
5. Love Theme From ‘The Valachi Papers’
6. Mother Fingers
7. S.O.M.F.

Maynard Ferguson - The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson (1969)

CBS 63514

1. Born Free
2. Girl Talk
3. If He Walked Into My Life
4. The Fool On The Hill
5. The Impossible Dream
6. Somewhere
7. Maria
8. As Long As He Needs Me
9. Hushabye Mountain
10. The Sound Of Silence
11. You Only Live Twice

Maynard Ferguson - Ridin' High/Freaky (1968)

Enterprise S 13-101


Atlantic 2464 008

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Nat pavone, Charles Camilleri, Richard Hurwitz, Lew Soloff
Trombones: Jimmy Cleveland, Slide Hampton, George Jeffers
Saxophones: Richard Spencer, Lew Tabackin, Frank Vicari, Pepper Adams, Danny Bank
Rhythm: Joe Beck (Guitar), Mike Abene (Piano), Donald Payne (Bass), Donald McDonald (Drums), John Pacheco (Percussion)

1. The Rise & Fall of Seven
2. Light Green
3. Kundalini Woman
4. Sunny
5. Meet a Cheetah
6. Molecules
7. Wack-Wack
8. Stan Speaks
9. Alfie

Mingus Big Band 93 - Nostalgia in Times Square (1993)

Full Personnel:
Reeds: Ronnie Cuber, Alex Foster, Craig Handy, Chris Potter, Steve Slagle, Roger Rosenberg, John Stubblefield
Trombones: Art Baron, Sam Burtis, Dave Taylor, Frank Lacy
Trumpets: Randy Brecker, Ryan Kisor, Jack Walrath, Chris Kase
Rhythm: Kenny Drew Jr. (piano), Andy McKee, Mike Formanek (bass), Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums), Joe Locke (vibes)

1. Nostalgia In Times Square
2. Moanin'
3. Self-Portrait In 3 Colors
4. Don't Be Afraid, The Clown's Afraid, Too
5. Duke Ellington's Sound Of Love
6. Mingus Fingers
7. Weird Nightmare
8. Open Letter To Duke
9. Invisible Lady
10. Ecclusiastics

"There have been many attempts to revisit the music of Charles Mingus ever since his death in 1979 (with several of the groups being called Mingus Dynasty), but this is by far the most successful of all the Mingus tribute albums. The 20-piece Mingus Big Band is an all-star unit comprised of mostly younger musicians who have spent several years really studying and getting inside the great bassist's music. The band's debut CD has such spirited soloists as baritonist Ronnie Cuber (who introduces "Nostalgia in Times Square" with a memorable story of his first encounter with Mingus), trumpeters Randy Brecker, Ryan Kisor, and Jack Walrath, trombonists Art Baron, Frank Lacy, and Dave Taylor, altoist Steve Slagle, tenors Chris Potter, Craig Handy, and John Stubblefield, and pianist Kenny Drew, Jr., among others. The ten Mingus compositions are all given memorable treatments, particularly "Moanin'," the witty and somewhat nutty "Don't Be Afraid, the Clown's Afraid Too," and "Weird Nightmare." The new arrangements by Sy Johnson, Jack Walrath, and Ronnie Cuber are quite crowded and very much in the spirit of Mingus. This was one of the top recordings to be released in 1994 and is essential for all serious jazz collections."

Bob Mintzer Big Band - Incredible Journey (1984)

Trumpets: Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Laurie Frink, Bob Millikan
Trombones: David Bargeron, Bob Smith, Keith O'Quinn, Dave Taylor
Saxes: Bob Mintzer, Lawrence Feldman, Peter Yellin, Michael Brecker, Bob Mamach, Roger Rosenberg
Rhythm: Dan Grolnick (piano), Lincoln Goines (bass), Peter Erskine (drums), Frankie Malabe (percussion)

1. Incredible Journey
2. The Ring
3. Flying
4. Computer
5. Tribute
6. Latin Dance
7. Lazy Day
8. Slo Funk

Joe Henderson - Big Band (1996)

Collective Personnel:

Arranger, Tenor Sax: Joe Henderson
Collective Saxes: Bob Porcelli, Pete Yellin, Dick Oatts, Steve Willson (altos), Rich Perry, Craig Handy, Tim Ries, Charlie Pillow (tenors), Gary Smulyan, Joe Temperley (baris)
Collective Trumpets: Lew Soloff, Jon Faddis, Byron Stripling, Tony Kadleck, Marcus Belgrave, Virgil Jones, Idrees Sulieman, Jimmy Owens, Michael Phillip Mossman, Ray Vega, Earl Gardner
Collective Trombones: Robin Eubanks, Kiane Zawadi, Jimmy Knepper, Douglass Purviance, Conrad HErwig, Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell, Dave Taylor
Collective Rhythm: Ronnie Mathews, Chick Corea, Helio Alvevs (piano), Christian McBride, Milson Matta (bass), Joe Chambers, Lewis Nash, Al Foster, Paulo Braga (drums)

1. Without A Song
2. Isotope
3. Inner Urge
4. Black Narcissus
5. A Shade Of Jade
6. Step Lightly
7. Serenity
8. Chelsea Bridge
9. Recordame (Recuerdame)

Maynard Ferguson - MF Horn (1970)

LP, Columbia C 30466

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Alan Downey, Martin Drover, John Huckridge, John Donnelly
Trombones: Billy Graham, Chris Pyne, Albert Woods
Saxes: Pete King, Danny Moss, Brian Smith, Bob Watson
Rhythm: George Kish (Guitar), Pete Jackson (Piano), Dave Lynane (Bass), Randy Jones (Drums), Frank Ricotti (Conga), Vemu Mekunda (Vina), Mohana Lakshimipathy (Tambura)

1. Eli's Comin'
2. Ballad to Max
3. MacArthur Park
4. Chala Nata
5. If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind
6. L-Dopa

Rob Parton's Jazztech Big Band - Rob Parton's Jazz Tech Big Band with Conte Candoli (1991)

Saxes: Bob Frankich, Ian Nevins, Tony Vacca, Greg Mostovoy, Kurt Berg
Trombones: Rus Phillips, Brian Jacobi, Jim Martin, Mike Young, Scott Bentall, Tony Garcia
Trumpets: Rob Parton, Mike McGrath, Steve Smyth, Tom Reed, Al Hood, Conte Candoli
Rhythm: John Morgan (guitar), Stewart Miller (bass), Larry Harris (piano), Bob Rummage (drums)

1. Blues for Mr. P
2. Laura
3. Sentimental Journey
4. Vignette for Trumpet and Flgelhorn
5. S' Wonderful
6. Dreamer of Dreams
7. Partin' Shots
8. A Time for Love
9. Main Street News
10. Evanology

Maynard Ferguson - Chameleon (1974)

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Stan mark, Dennis Noday, Lynn Nicholson, Bob Summers
Trombones: Randy Purcell, Jerry Johnson
Saxes: Andy McIntosh, Brian Smith, Bruce Johnson
Rhythm: Alan Zavod (Piano), Rick Petrone (Bass), Dan D'Imperio (Drums)

1. Chameleon
2. Gospel John
3. Way We Were, The
4. Jet
5. La Fiesta
6. I Can't Get Stated
7. Livin' For The City
8. Superbone Meets The Bad Man

Ladd McIntosh Big Band - Bulbous Garlic Blues (1992)

Reeds: Glen Garrett, John Crosse, Steve Fowler, Jim Snodgrass, Ray Reed, Kurt McGettrick
Trumpets: R.C. Bob Clark, Wayne Bergeron, Louise Baranger, Bob Summers, Peter Olstad, Doug Schnarf, George Stone
Trombones: Eric Jorgensen, Bruce Fowler, Alex Iles, Ken Foberg, Rich Bullock
Rhythm: Geoff Stradling (piano), Jerry Watts (bass), Rod Harbour (drums)
Vocals: Cheryl Bentyne

1. Mini-Q
2. Jeannine
3. The Fugu Express
4. Mack The Knife
5. Moonrise
6. Pismo Gizmo
7. Coyote Woman Blues
8. The Woman With The Laughing Eyes
9. The Masquerade Is Over
10. Bumps
11. Saving All My Love / Teach Me Tonight
12. Bulbous Garlic Blues

(repost) Maynard Ferguson - MF Horn 4 & 5, Live at Jimmy's (1973)

Trumpets: Lin Biviano, Danny Cahn, John de Flon, Bob Summers
Trombones: Randy Purcell, Graham Ellis
Saxes: Andy Mackintosh, Ferdinand Povel, Bruce Johnstone
Rhythm: Randy Jones (drums), Rick Petrone (bass), Pete Jackson (electric piano)

1. Teonova
2. MacArthur Park
3. Left Bank Express
4. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
5. Two for Otis
6. Stay Loose with Bruce
7. Nice N' Juicy
8. The Fox Hunt
9. Got the Spirit
10. Blue Birdland

Buy this on CD along with MF Horn 3 here.

Bill Holman - A View From The Side (1995)

Woodwinds: Lanny Morgan, Bill Perkins, Pete Christlieb, Ray Herrmann, Bob Efford
Trumpets: Carl Saunders, Frank Szabo, Ron Stout, Bob Summers
Trombones: Jack redmond, Bob Enevoldsen, Andy Martin, Kenny Shroyer
Rhythm: Rich Eames (piano), Dave Carpenter (bass), Bob Leatherbarrow (drums), Doug MacDonald (guitar, 4 & 5 only)

1. No Joy in Mudville
2. Any Dude'll Do
3. But Beautiful
4. Petaluma Lu
5. I Didn't Ask
6. Make My Day
7. Peacocks
8. View From the Side
9. Tennessee Waltz

"Although he never seems to win any popularity polls, Bill Holman is among the most respected and unique arrangers of the last 40 years of the 20th century. This CD features his band of the mid-'90s, an outfit that includes many of the top Los Angeles-based musicians. Holman's writing is often colorfully overcrowded (rewarding repeated listenings) yet logical, with the charts progressing and developing from beginning to end rather than repeating the same basic ideas continuously. Whether it be the many complex themes of "No Joy in Mudville," the showcases for tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb ("But Beautiful") and Bob Efford's bass clarinet ("The Peacocks"), the very advanced "Make My Day," or the rebuilding of "Tennessee Waltz," this JVC release is a consistently memorable set from a masterful arranger who deserves much greater recognition in the jazz world."

Bill Holman - Big Band In A Jazz Orbit (1958)

Recorded 1958, CD released 1987.

Trumpets: Al Porcino, Ed Leddy, Jack Sheldon, Conte Candoli (1, 2, 5-8), Stu Williamson (3, 4, 9)
Trombones: Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana, Ray Sims
Saxes: Charlie Mariano, Herb Geller, Richie Kamuca, Charlie Kennedy, Bill Hood
Rhythm: Vic Fedlman (piano), Buddy Clark (bass), Mel Lewis (drums)

1. Kissin' Bug
2. The Man I Love
3. Goodbye
4. You Go To My Head
5. After You've Gone
6. Far Down Below
7. No Heat
8. Theme & Variations #2
9. Aura

Matt Catingub Big Band - I'm Getting Cement All Over Ewe (1991)

Leader, Alto Sax, Piano: Matt Catingub
Woodwinds: Chris Stewart, Steve Rosenblum, Mark Roland, Albert Alva, Bill Green
Trumpets: John Thomas, Buddy Childers, Ron King, Wayne Bergeron, Steve Huffsteter
Trombones: Nick Lane, Andy Martin, Charles Morillas, Ira Nepus, Luis Bonilla, Rich Bullock
Rhythm: Jim Hershman (guitar), Dave Stone (bass), Kevin Winard (drums), Roger Burn (mallets), Mike Faue (percussion)
Vocal: Mavis Rivers

1. I'm Getting Cement All Over Ewe
2. Even More Blues, But My Abscessed Tooth Is Fine
3. Miss Ella
4. Dearly Beloved
5. Change Partners
6. Sciatica Stomp
7. Funny
8. Prelude 'N Blues
9. I Got Rhythm
10. Simple Pleasures
11. Donna Lieb

Lew Soloff - Hanalei Bay (1986)

Lew Soloff: trumpet, flugelhorn
Gill Evans: electric piano
Pete Levin: synthesizer
Hiram Bullock: guitars
Mark Egan: bass
Adam Nussbaum: drums
Manolo Badrena: percussion

1. Salazar
2. My Buddy
3. Hanalei Bay
4. A Felicidade
5. La Toalla
6. Emily
7. Well You Needn't
8. Goodbye Porkpie Hat

CSU Fullerton Jazz Ensemble I - Yardbird Suite...for Charlie (1991)

Woodwinds: Chris Abernathy, Tuan Vu, Bill Martinez, Mike Ascolese, Chris Searight, Yvonne Beven, Nikki Palmer
Trumpets: Kevin Mayse, John Harrington, Dan Robbins, Larry Hart, Rudy Arevalos, Brian Bettger (1, 2 only)
Trombones: Paul Bailey, Ryan Anglin, Chris Thomas, Dave Cureton, Rich Hall
Rhythm: Bob Nafarrete, Steve Araiza, Dave Ramirez, Brian Ferrero
Vocals: Hope Briggs

1. The Goombay Smash
2. Brotherhood of Man
3. Milo's Meadow
4. Lament
5. Nite Sprite
6. Deed I Do
7. Mama Llama Samba
8. How Long Has This Been Going On?
9. Shadows
10. Yardbird Suite

(repost) Bob Curnow's L.A. Big Band - Music of Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays (1994)

Conductor, Arranger: Bob Curnow
Saxes: Bob Sheppard, Danny House, Rob Lockart, Tom Peterson
Trumpets: Bobby Shew, Wayne Bergeron, Don Rader, Ron Stout
Trombones: Rick Culver, Andy Martin, Chuck Hughes, Dana Hughes
Rhythm: Bill Cunliffe (piano), Paul Viapiano (guitar), Tom Warrington (bass), Steve Houghton (drums), Brian Kilgore (percussion)

1. (It's Just) Talk
2. Always And Forever
3. The First Circle
4. Letter From Home
5. Are We There Yet?
6. If I Could
7. See the World
8. Minuano (Six Eight)
9. Dream of the Return
10. Every Summer Night
11. In Her Family
12. Have You Heard

"Pat Metheny and his keyboard collaborator, Lyle Mays, have drawn on diverse sources for their music, combining folk, jazz, country, Latin, and world elements into a tuneful and often electronic mix. Bob Curnow is a veteran of the Stan Kenton Orchestra, and part of his avowed intention here is to set some of the Metheny and Mays compositions within the Kenton style. In keeping with that model, Curnow has assembled a very big band, 20 members strong with five trumpets and five trombones. It's an arresting project, and Curnow has successfully reconceived the Metheny work, substituting layered acoustic winds where electric guitars and keyboards were, enriching the textures and supplying orchestral breadth to what was once more intimate music. Metheny's prettier tunes, such as the ballad "If I Could," take on a Henry Mancini-like luster in this new setting. The sectional play is polished and energetic, and there are plenty of good soloists, including tenor saxophonist Rob Lockart, trombonist Chuck Hughes, and guitarist Paul Viapiano, who frequently provides a sonic bridge between the worlds of Metheny and Curnow. The sound is audiophile quality and the music provides a new look at both Metheny's music and the big-band tradition."

"There's a reason that Bob Curnow's Metheny/Mays arrangements have become the meat and potatoes of college jazz ensembles in the past few years, and this album is it. Curnow starts with intelligent and musical arrangements, and gives them to some of L.A.'s best for interpretation; they certainly don't disappoint. The recording quality is second to none, replicating and improving on the clean, smooth sound that has generally been a hallmark of Metheny's own albums. Due to the excellent recording work, Curnow's L.A. Big Band is under a microscope, but Curnow has picked his musicians well and the blemishes are few and far between. Special mention in the playing department is definitely due to Bobby Shue, who plays the flugelhorn solo on "Always and Forever" with aching sensitivity and then goes on to rip his way vigorously from the bottom to the top range of his trumpet on the difficult changes of "Minuano 6/8". The evocative but gutsy trombone work on "Dream of the Return" is also a highlight of the album, and the rhythm section occasionally could fool you into thinking that Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays were actually sitting back there."

(repost) Maynard Ferguson - Newport Suite (1960)

Trumpets: Maynard Ferguson, Don Ellis, Chet Ferretti, Rick Kiefer
Trombones: Mike Zagarini, Charles Greenlee
Winds: Jimmy Ford, Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden, Frank Hittner
Rhythm: Jaki Byard (Piano), Aubrey Tosin (Bass), Stu Martin (Drums)

1. Jazz Berries
2. Foxy
3. Newport
4. Got The Spirit
5. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
6. Ol' Man River
7. Three More Foxes

(repost) Bill Yeager's LA Jazz Workshop - Medium Basie Swing (1988)

Personnel Tracks 1 - 5:
Winds: Dan Pelfrey, Mark Markus, Gary Meek, Frank Silva, Dave Rosentha
Trumpets: Stan Hernacki, Erik Rose, George Baker, Ron Meza, Jon Papenbrook, John Bambridge
Trombones: Rob Boone, Alex Iles, Ron Hess, Gary Bushart
Rhythm: Scott Collard (keyboards), Daryl Caraco (guitar), Michael Lufkin (bass), Ken Maldonado (drums) Brad Dutz (percussion)

Personnel Tracks 6 - 12:
Winds: Gary Meek, Kathy Cochran, Harold Manning, Les Rose, Dave Rosenthal
Trumpets: Wayne Bergeron, Pat Mullin, George Baker, Kevin Brown, Jon Papenbrook, Steve Dillard
Trombones: Alex Iles, Ron Hess, John Aldred, Brent Decker, Bob Heller
Rhythm: Mike Daigeau (synth), Jennifer Morris (keyboards), Tom Hynes (guitar), Baron Wolfe (bass), Allen Carter (drums)

1.Medium Basie Swing
2.Take It To The Ozone
3.Stan's Donuts
4.Yes & No
5.Let's Eat Carcass
6.Can't Say What I Feel
7.Angel Eyes
8.Mickey's Revenge
9.The Shopwork Shuffle
10.Goodbye Pork-Pie Hat
11.Abacus
12.Close The Door

Liner Notes:

First of all, I'm not amazed at Bill Yeager and the L.A. Jazz Workshop. They have been performing miracles for a long time. I take my new charts to them to hear the results first. What a thrill for me. I also get a chance to sit in too. This Workshop has always been a unique blend of people of ages ranging from 18 to 67. They are full-time professionals not only as musicians, but as lawyers, contractors, doctors, teachers, etc. They want to play music the believe in. They play with great enthusiasm and have fun. Bill, you've done a great job, and you and the band deserve to have this album played so everyone can hear it. Continue on my friend -- there are great things ahead. I'll be pluggin' for you and the band always. WOW - WHAT AN ALBUM.
- Louis Bellson (8/18/85)

Bill Yeager founded the Los Angeles Jazz Workshop in 1979 to fill the gap between the traditional school of music program and professional capability. It has since evolved into a mecca of professionals who deeply believe in the jazz art form and to expanding his or her musical potential. The workshop performs music of the highest artistic merit, with no constraints to commercialism or other pressures so prevelant in today's music scene.
Bill Yeager received his bachelor and master of music degrees from North Texas State University. He has pursued an active performing career as a trombonist on hundreds of studio sessions and live concerts. Bill is a respected jazz and brass clinician and is featured as a soloist at many jazz festivals.
In 1985, Bill became an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at San Diego State University. He maintains the duties of college professor, professional musician, and director of the L.A. Jazz Workshop by piloting his private airplane between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Carla Bley - Big Band Theory (1993)

Trumpets: Lew Soloff, Guy Barker, Claude Deppa, Steve Waterman
Trombones: Gary Valente, Richard Edwards, Annie Whitehead, Ashley Slayter
Winds: Roger Jannotta, Wolfgang Puschnig, Andy Sheppard, Pete Hurt, Julian Arguelles
Rhythm: Steve Swallow (bass), Carla Bley (piano), Karen Mantler (organ), Dennis Mackrel(drums), Don Alias (percusson)

1. On the Stages in Cages
2. Birds of Parardise
3. Goodbye Porkpie Hat
4. Fresh Impression

"Carla Bley's big-band theory is put into fine practice on this recording with her characteristically stacked and tight lineup of British, European, and American players. English saxophonist Andy Sheppard, also a member of George Russell's idiosyncratic large ensemble, is the most prominent soloist. He teases, flips, and warps the tunes with vigor and feeling. He has chops to burn but a delicate touch, too. Also featured are trombonist Gary Valente, trumpeter Lew Soloff, and altoist-flutist Wolfgang Puschnig. A special, surprising guest is violinist Alex Balanescu, whose hip new-music quartet was, at this time (1993), winning notice. The whole band sparkles and lends just the right dosage of swagger and cheek where needed. The cover of Charles Mingus's "Goodbye, Pork Pie Hat" does honor to the tune. The album is, overall, among the Bley big band's finest."

Carla Bley - The Very Big Carla Bley Band (1991)

Trumpets: Lew Soloff, Guy Barker, Claude Deppa, Steven Bernstein
Trombones: Gary Valente, Richard Edwards, Fayyaz Virji, Ashley Slayter
Winds: Roger Jannotta, Wolfgang Puschnig, Andy Sheppard, Pete Hurt, Pablo Calogero
Rhythm: Steve Swallow (bass), Carla Bley (piano), Karen Mantler (organ), Victor Lewis (drums), Don Alias (percusson)

1. United States
2. Strange Arrangement
3. All Fall Down
4. Who Will Rescue You?
5. Lo Ultimo

Five striking Bley compositions are featured here, including two extended works, "United States" and "All Fall Down". The lasting impression is one of unusual voicings, adventurous soloists, unconventional arranging touches, and dissonant shadings. "Delightfully quirky, chaotically dynamic, delicately impressionistic, buoyantly upbeat, and brashly bold." - Downbeat

Ken Schaphorst Big Band - Purple (1998)

Woodwinds: Doug Yates, Jay Brandford, Donny McCaslin, Seamus Blake, Andy Laster
Trumpets: Dave Ballou, John Carlson, Andy Gravish, Cuong Vu
Trombones: Josh Roseman, Curtis Hasselbring, Dave Taylor, Chris Creswell
Rhythm: Uri Caine (piano), John Bedeski (electric keyboards), Brad Shepik (guitar), Drew Gress (bass), Jamey Haddad (drums), Dane Richeson (drums)

1. Uprising
2. With You, Then Without
3. Blue Almighty
4. Jobim
5. Subterranean
6. Purple
7. Bats
8. My Island
9. Bounce

From Jazziz:
Purple is experimental in the best sense of the word, as conductor/leader Schaphorst uses unusual shadings and combinations of instruments not to prove his adventurousness, but as another color on his palette. His vision is epic in scope - many of the tunes move through several ambitious sections rather than settling into a verse-chorus-verse format, and the sounds Schaphorst wrings from the band are wonderfully varied.
For example, "Uprising" starts by building waves of sound, then gives way to Donny McCaslin's eloquent tenor solo. McCaslin soon rides an intricate Latin groove courtesy of the band's two drummers, Dane Richeson and Jamey Haddad. The piece ends 12 minutes later pretty much as it began.
Schaphorst continually confounds expectations. On "Blues Almighty," the band settles into a deep, Count Basie-like shuffle only to be broken up first by John Medeski's wailing, unaccompanied organ solo and then by Brad Shepik's screeching distorted guitar. On "Subterranean," Dave Taylor's contemplative bass-trombone solo gives way to rich and bombastic horns.
The impressive playing (tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake and pianist Uri Caine are also standouts) and the ambitious composing and arranging are good signs for Naxos' new jazz imprint and are evidence that big-band jazz is alive and kicking.