Customer Reviews

Big Band Bash

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The swing movement of the 90's has brought some refreshing new sounds that have ALMOST been able to reach the high standards of the greats of jazz. I am convinced that the Bob Keane Orchestra matches the Dorsey orchestra, Glenn Miller's band; even Benny Goodman has been matched by Bob Keane in the quality of this music. This CD sound as if it is recorded in a large concert hall and you feel as if they are sitting in the back and they are playing just for you!

This album was originally released by Gene Norman Presents as a 10 inch record back in 1955 not 1951 as is stated in the description section here. It was subsequently released by GNP Records as an lp. And believe it or not there is a BIG difference in the conception and sound of a 1951 jazz orchestra and one that was recorded in 1955.

What you get here is a band led by clarinetist Bob Keene and composed primarily of members of the Billy May band ie, Milt Bernhardt, Si Zentner, Maynard Ferguson, Conrad Gozzo, Joe Mondragon, Alvin Stoller, etc. But with arrangements by Bill Holman, Paul Villipique, Johnny Thompson, Shorty Rogers and May himself, the band is anything but a May clone. The arrangements give the band a distinctive and outstanding driving sound all its own. The impeccable musicianship gives this band an unusual cohesiveness. And Keene is a remarkably fluent and capable front line soloist.

The performances are so uniformly excellent that it's hard to pick out any one selection as a high point. But I guess if you want I high point, check out Shorty Rogers' driving "Jug Stop." Also you get a bonus track in "Lilly's Back."

For those who like modern, beautifully performed, driving big band jazz this is definitely a cd for you.

An excellent addition for all Maynard Ferguson collectors. The recording quality an CD art work is excellent. I didn't get into the clarinet playing, as it is not my type of instrument. Benny Goodman is my preferred option. Maynard sounds great in the trumpet section up in the high register. Great arrangements and musicians in the Big Band (Billy May's Big Band line up). Get the CD now as it be hard to find when it goes out of print.