Customer Reviews

Big Cat 5

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I FIRST HAD THIS ALBUM BACK AROUND 1962 AND WORE THE GROOVES OUT LISTENING TO IT. THE BAND IS SIMPLY THE CREAM OF THE WEST-COAST CROP OF JAZZ SWINGERS. FRANK ROSOLINO'S BONE WORK IS WORTH THE PRICE OF THE ALBUM. THE TUNE "THE BIG CAT" IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES. CONTE CANDOLI, JOE MAINI, MED FLORY, JACK NIMITZ, AMONG MANY OTHERS ARE AT THEIR PRIME. I OWN HUNDREDS OF CONTEMPORARY BIG BAND JAZZ CDS AND ALBUMS AND CONSIDER THIS TO BE IN THE TOP 10 OF THE ESSENCE OF WHAT BIG BAND JAZZ IS ALL ABOUT.

Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs generally isn't listed among the all-time great big band leaders, but this CD - and five others in his Dream Band series - demonstrate why he should be. The 11 swinging tracks were recorded live at a Hollywood nightclub in 1961, preserved in surprisingly good quality for a live big band performance at that time. The high energy of the live date is clearly in evidence, including occasional exuberant outbursts by band members.
The impressive array of talent speaks for itself. The arrangements were done by Bill Holman, Manny Albam, and Al Cohn. The band was full of all-star players: Richie Kamuca, Bill Perkins, and Jack Nimitz in the sax section; Al Porcino and Conte Candoli on trumpet; Frank Rosolino on trombone; Buddy Clark on bass; and Mel Lewis on drums, just to mention my favorites.
All the tracks are superbly executed and feature great solo work throughout the band. Anyone with a fondness for big band jazz should have the Dream Band series represented in their collection, and this CD is an excellent place to start.