BUDDY RICH - Umbria Jazz

BUDDY RICH BIG BAND
Perugia 1986

From the Umbria Jazz Festival in 1986. This was one of Rich’s last performances as he died in 1987. I m not sure that the personnel listed is 100% correct but it is the band he had in most of that year. The tenor player is definitely Steve Marcus and check out a young (23 years old)  Eric Miyashiro, in the trumpet section

Buddy Rich Big Band : Eric Miyashiro, Greg Gisbert, Jay Watson, Kevin Richardson (tp) James Martin, Tom Garling, Sigfreid Trager (tb) Bob Bowlby, Mike Rubino (as) Steve Marcus (ts,sop) Chris Bacas (ts) Jay Craig (bar) Matt Harris (p) Brock Answer (b) Buddy Rich (d)

TOSHIKO AKIYOSHI

TOSHIKO AKIYOSHI JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Desert Lady

Bebop

The fourth recording released by the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra featuring Lew Tabackin. Not to be confused with the 1989 Lew Tabackin (Quartet) Concord Records release, Desert Lady. The album received two Grammy award nominations in the "Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance" and (for the song, "Bebop") "Best Arrangement on an Instrumental" categories.

I always wished Toshiko would have stay married to Charlie Mariano. Can you imagine the big band they would have put together?

• Toshiko Akiyoshi – piano

• Lew Tabackin – tenor saxophone, flute (piccolo)

• Walt Weiskopf – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute

• Jerry Dodgion – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute

• Jim Snidero – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute

• Scott Robinson – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet

• Michael Ponella – trumpet

• John Eckert – trumpet

• Greg Gisbert – trumpet

• Joe Magnarelli – trumpet

• Herb Besson – trombone

• Luis Bonilla – trombone

• Conrad Herwig – trombone

• Tim Newman – bass trombone

• Doug Weiss – bass

• Terry Clarke – drums

PETE ELLMAN BIG BAND

Pete Ellman Big Band

Jeff Coffin

Wind Machine

Another Great Chicago area Big Band, this one from Naperville, Il lead by trumpet player Pete Ellman

Jeff plays a great solo on Wind Machine...Bill Byan on drums. The band plays every Thursday at Mullen's in Lisle from 8 - 10PM. No cover! Generous support for Jeff provided by Ellman's Music Center - Yamaha Corporation - Mullen's Bar & Gril

There are a couple of players in the band I recognize but it does change so i can’t be positive about the personnel

BOBBY BURGESS

BOBBY BURGESS

Butter’s Idea
Grove Blues

If the name Bobby Burgess sounds vaguely familiar, you may remember him as an outstanding trombonist with the Stan Kenton and Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestras and big bands led by Woody Herman, Buddy Rich and others before he moved to Germany in the early ’70s. Bobby played with a number of Germany’s leading ensembles, chiefly the South German Radio Big Band, and when he formed his own band in 1987 it followed logically that he would create it in their dynamic image using many of the most capable big–band musicians that country had to offer. He called his ensemble the Bobby Burgess Big Band Explosion, and led it until his premature death last year. The band recorded twice, and Butters Idea, from 1994, is the earlier of the two. The title derives from Bobby’s nickname, Butter, which in turn alludes to the velvet–smooth sound of his trombone. The band’s buoyant frame of reference is bound securely to the swinging legacy of Kenton, Herman and Rich with radiant compositions and/or arrangements by Don Menza, Bill Holman, Mike Barone, Bill Dobbins, Frank St. Peter (“Burgess Surges”) and sidemen Paul Heller (“Waltz for Alexandra”), Stephan Zimmermann (“Healing Forces”) and Martin Schrack (“Without Words”). Burgess, always the unassuming anchor, grants almost everyone else a moment or two in the sun while taking only two relatively brief solos himself, muted on Holman’s fiery “Butters Idea” and open on “Shuffle Kings,” which was also written and arranged by Holman. Menza contributed the loose–limbed opener, “Groove Blues,” and Dobbins arranged Ellington/Irving Mills’ “In a Sentimental Mood” as a luminous feature for baritone saxophonist Steffen Schorn. That precedes the truly inspired finale, fellow trombonist Mike Barone’s sparkling samba–like treatment of a most unlikely but no less absorbing Jazz vehicle, Cole Porter’s “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.” Equally entrancing are Schrack’s whimsical “Words,” St. Peter’s high–powered “Burgess Surges” and Heller’s lyrical “Waltz for Alexandra.” The ensemble is strapping and blemish–free, the rhythm section (Schrack, Wiedmann, Höfler, Nell) sharp and supple, and the soloists — including Schorn, Wiedmann, Heller, Schrack, Zimmernann, Malle, Graf, Strempel, Sauerborn, Hesse and trombonists Petzold and Mears — bright–eyed and resourceful. In sum, the very model of an explosive modern big band.

Track listing: Groove Blues; Burgess Surges; Waltz for Alexandra; Butters Idea; Healing Forces; Shuffle Kings; Without Words; In a Sentimental Mood; My Heart Belongs to Daddy (56:17).

By JACK BOWERS 

Personnel:

Butters Idea : Bob Burgess Big Band Explosion : Stephan Zimmermann, Thorsten Benkenstein, Sebastian Stempel, Ralph Hesse, Jochen Metzler (tp) Bob Burgess, Adrian Mears, Joachim Petzold, Oliver Pospiech, Rainer Muller (tb) Rainer Heute (b-cl,bar) Klaus Graf (sop,as) Hans Dieter Sauerborn (as) Andreas "Andi" Maile, Paul Heller (ts) Steffen Schorn (bar,bassax) Martin Schrack (p) Martin Wiedmann (g) Karoline Hofler (b) Holger Nell (d)

BOB FLORENCE - Limited Edition

BOB FLORENCE 
LIMITED EDITION

State of the Art

Moonlight Serenade 

Here is how Miller should have done it in the first place. I'm not sure a lot of Miller fans in the 40s would have gotten into it. For that matter I'm not sure how many Miller fans today can get into it. But I'm not a Miller fan so check it out.

_________________________________________________

The first of two sets by Bob Florence's Limited Edition Orchestra for the USA label breaks from his tradition in that only four of the nine selections are Florence originals. The arranger completely reworks such familiar tunes as "Just Friends," "Moonlight Serenade," "All the Things You Are" and even "Auld Lang Syne." Among the key players are altoist Lanny Morgan, trumpeter Steve Huffsteter, Bob Cooper on tenor, and Kim Richmond on alto and soprano. Modern, swinging and unpredictable music.

-AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow-

Bob Florence

Arranger, Composer, Liner Notes, Performer, Piano, Piano (Electric), Primary Artist, Producer, Synthesizer

Tom Warrington

Bass (Acoustic), Bass (Electric)

Bob Efford

Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone)

Lanny Morgan

Clarinet, Flute, Piccolo, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)

Kim Richmond

Clarinet, Flute, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)

Bob Cooper

Clarinet, Flute, Sax (Tenor)

Dick Mitchell

Clarinet, Flute, Sax (Tenor)

Peter Donald

Drums

John Lowe

E Flat Clarinet, Sax (Baritone)

Larry Ford

Flugelhorn, Trumpet

George Graham

Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Steve Huffsteter

Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Warren Luening

Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Alex Acuña

Percussion

Donald Waldrop

Trombone (Bass)

Rick Culper

Trombone

Rick Culver

Trombone

Herbie Harper

Trombone

Charles Loper

Trombone

Chauncey Welsch

Trombone

BIG BAND KAROWICE

BIG BAND KAROWICE – Music For My Friends

Poland

Legendary recording from 1974 presents Big Band Katowice at its peak form with a selection of jazz-rock tunes mixed with contemporary mainstream - all presented it's trade marked "Silesian sound". The lineup consist of students Katowice Academy of Music and includes some of the brightest stars from Polish Jazz constellation of 1970s that formed leading jazz-rock bands of that era: Extra Ball and Sun Ship. Blast from the past that sounds surprisingly modern and very, very funky!

Happening

Composed By, Arranged By – Z. Kalemba*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – J. Główczewski*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Piano – W. Gogolewski*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

Soloist, Trombone – L. Dziwoki*

2:50

A2

Li'l Darlin'

Composed By, Arranged By – N. Hefti*

Soloist, Trumpet – T. Janiak*

4:45

A3

Sorcery

Alto Saxophone – P. Pronko*

Arranged By – J. Śmietana*

Composed By – K. Jarrett*

Soloist, Piano – W. Sendecki*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – A. Olejniczak*

Soloist, Trombone – L. Dziwoki*

Trombone – S. Rusek

Trumpet – M. Kowalski, Z. Bankowski

4:35

A4

Ballada Dla Alicji (The Ballad For Alice)

Composed By, Arranged By, Soloist, Flute – M. Wolny*

Guitar – A. Trefon*

4:30

A5

Madrox

Composed By – O. Redding*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – P. Pronko*

Soloist, Piano, Arranged By – W. Sendecki*

Tenor Saxophone – A. Olejniczak*

Trombone – S. Rusek

Trumpet – M. Kowalski, Z. Bankowski

3:36

B1

Hey, Man

Composed By, Arranged By – B. Starzyński*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – J. Główczewski*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

Soloist, Trombone – L. Dziwoki*

7:30

B2

Music For My Friends

Composed By, Arranged By – J. Cichy*

Composed By, Arranged By, Soloist, Flute – M. Wolny*

Soloist, Bass Guitar – J. Cichy*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Piano – W. Gogolewski*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

7:15

B3

Experience

Composed By, Arranged By – D. Brzeziński*

Percussion – A. Trefon*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – J. Główczewski*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Piano – W. Gogolewski*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

Happening

Composed By, Arranged By – Z. Kalemba*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – J. Główczewski*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Piano – W. Gogolewski*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

Soloist, Trombone – L. Dziwoki*

2:50

A2

Li'l Darlin'

Composed By, Arranged By – N. Hefti*

Soloist, Trumpet – T. Janiak*

4:45

A3

Sorcery

Alto Saxophone – P. Pronko*

Arranged By – J. Śmietana*

Composed By – K. Jarrett*

Soloist, Piano – W. Sendecki*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – A. Olejniczak*

Soloist, Trombone – L. Dziwoki*

Trombone – S. Rusek

Trumpet – M. Kowalski, Z. Bankowski

4:35

A4

Ballada Dla Alicji (The Ballad For Alice)

Composed By, Arranged By, Soloist, Flute – M. Wolny*

Guitar – A. Trefon*

4:30

A5

Madrox

Composed By – O. Redding*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – P. Pronko*

Soloist, Piano, Arranged By – W. Sendecki*

Tenor Saxophone – A. Olejniczak*

Trombone – S. Rusek

Trumpet – M. Kowalski, Z. Bankowski

3:36

B1

Hey, Man

Composed By, Arranged By – B. Starzyński*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – J. Główczewski*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

Soloist, Trombone – L. Dziwoki*

7:30

B2

Music For My Friends

Composed By, Arranged By – J. Cichy*

Composed By, Arranged By, Soloist, Flute – M. Wolny*

Soloist, Bass Guitar – J. Cichy*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Piano – W. Gogolewski*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

7:15

B3

Experience

Composed By, Arranged By – D. Brzeziński*

Percussion – A. Trefon*

Soloist, Alto Saxophone – J. Główczewski*

Soloist, Guitar – J. Śmietana*

Soloist, Piano – W. Gogolewski*

Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – J. Jarosik*

BLUE WISP BIG BAND

Blue Wisp Big Band

Urban Artifact

7/15/2015

Founded in January, 1980 by drummer John Von Ohlen and trumpeter Don Johnson, the Blue Wisp Big Band got its start in and its name from the late Blue Wisp Jazz Club. Von Ohlen, a native of Indianapolis, moved to the Cincinnati area after many years on the road playing with world class jazz orchestras, most notably those of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman.

After hearing all of the fine musicians in the area, he felt there was a need to form a group because most of them “weren’t playing any jazz, which is the reason they started playing in the first place.” He felt the desire to start a “world-class big band and wanted to put it in a tavern, a beer joint.”

Don Johnson, who had been on the Cincinnati scene for years, suggested which instrumentalists should play in the band. Von Ohlen states, “Don was the horn connection.” Pianist Steve Schmidt and bassist Michael Sharfe were already playing with Von Ohlen at the Blue Wisp, in the Steve Schmidt Trio, Wednesday through Saturday nights, so the rhythm section was easily formed.

Von Ohlen remembers approaching Paul and Marjean Wisby, the original owners of the Blue Wisp, with the idea, “Wednesday is a slow night. Why don’t we bring in a big band and blow the roof off the place. It worked real good.”

Since its inception, the Blue Wisp Big Band has been the top jazz orchestra in Cincinnati. The hard bop-oriented big band started recording in 1981: first, an LP sponsored by the Cincinnati television station, WKRC and then four for the Mopro label, founded by Fred and Helen Morr, in the 1980’s. The Mopro LP’s were reissued in the mid -’90s on two CDs on the California label, Sea Breeze, with one of the sets recorded in Los Angeles during a West Coast tour in 1984. Through the devoted and hard work of Helen Morr, the LP’s were distributed around the country and Europe, garnering notice, good reviews and airplay around the world. Among the group’s more notable members were trumpeter Tim Hagans and bassist Lynn Seaton.

The band continued to perform at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club in Cincinnati on Wednesday nights until its closure in the summer of 2014.

After a six month tenure at Japp’s Annex in downtown Cincinnati, and a short stint at Pirate’s Den in Westwood, the band has found a new home at the Urban Artifact in Northside, playing on Wednesdays from 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

(The band continues to play at the Urban Artifacts club.  Co-leader and founder John (Baron) Von Ohlen, has recently retired from the band)

Saxophones[edit]

• Mike Andres

• Brent Gallaher

• Herb Aronoff

• Joe Gaudio

• Larry Dickson

Trumpets[edit]

• Jeff Folkens

• Kevin Moore

• Hank Mautner

• Kim Pensyl

Trombones[edit]

• Jeff Owen

• Clarence Pawn

• Dominic Marino

• Gary Langhorst (bass trombone)

Rhythm Section[edit]

• Steve Schmidt, piano

• Mike Sharfe, bass

• John Von Ohlen, drums

COUNT BASIE On The Beatles

COUNT BASUE

ON THE BEATLES

I first heard this only a few years ago and couldn’t believe my ears. It was basically awful. And then I looked farther and saw that the arranger was Bob Florence. Both these people were fabulous musicians. Neither should have been fooling around with The Beatles.  I had a chance to talk with Florence and asked him about this recording. He almost ashamedly admitted to writing it and said wished he never had.

But Florence could rest. . Chico O’Ferril also did a bunch of Beatles Beatles tunes for a Basie recording a little earlier and they were at least as unremarkable if not more so

Gene Goe, Oscar Brashear, Sonny Cohn (tp) Waymon Reed (tp,flh) Frank Hooks, Melvin Wanzo, Grover Mitchell (tb) Bill Hughes (b-tb) Marshal Royal (as,cl) Bobby Plater (as,fl) Eric Dixon (ts,fl) Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (ts) Charlie Fowlkes (bar) Count Basie (p,org) Freddie Green (g) Norman Keenan (b,el-b) Harold Jones (d)Bob Florence (ar) on all titles except (1), Eric Dixon (arr-1)