ROGER NEUMANN

Roger Neumann

Rather Large Band

Roger Neumann had a rare opportunity to record his big band in 1983; surprisingly, the orchestra's second instrumental date would not take place for another decade. Neumann, who is featured on tenor during "Emily," heads a 19-piece big band on this highly recommended album that includes among its personnel the then-unknown altoist Eric Marienthal, trombonists Herbie Harper and Bob Enevoldsen, pianist Tom Ranier, and the tenors of Herman Riley and Bob Hardaway. Neumann's ensemble performs three jazz standards, a romping "Flintstones," and a three-part suite dedicated to Blue Mitchell ("They Called Him 'Blue'") that has solos from each of the five trumpeters. Each of the swinging performances is memorable in its own way, and this album is well-worth searching for.

 Gary Grant, Rick Baptist, Jack Coan, Larry Lunetta, Jack Trott (tp,flhrn) Alan Kaplan, Bob Enevoldsen, Herbie Harper (tb) Morris Repass (b-tb) Roger Neumann (ts,arr) Dave Edwards, Eric Marienthal (as,sop,fl) Herman Riley, Bob Hardaway (ts,cl,fl,alto-fl) Lee Callet (bar,b-cl,alto-fl) Tom Ranier (p) John Heard (b) John Perett (d)