Customer Reviews

Danny D'Imperio's Big Band Bloviation Volume 2

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Once again ace drummer Danny D'Imperio has put together a top group of New York area musicians to tackle some big band be-bop charts. Three of the tracks were actually recorded at the 2001 session which produced Big Band Bloviation Vol. 1, while five tracks come from a Nov. 2003 session.

Most of the comments I made in reviewing Volume 1 apply equally here, but if anything, this is an even more satisfying date. Perhaps the band felt more comfortable this time round; perhaps there is slightly more variety in charts and tempos chosen; perhaps it's the presence of tenor heavyweight Lew Tabakin as soloist on "Sweet Georgia Upside Down" and "Bill's Blues"; perhaps the sound and mix have been tweaked a bit; perhaps it's the presence of Bill Stapleton's superb chart on "Come Rain or Come Shine" featuring trumpeter Dennis Dotson, or John Fedchock's meaty chart on "Ceora", or Rob McConnell's chart on "Groovin' High". But whatever it is, overall this date scores slightly higher for me than Volume 1.

The other arrangers represented here are Phil Kelly, Tony Klatka, Mike Abene, and Jimmy Heath. All charts contain excellent and often extensive solo work by band members such as pianists Barry Harris and Sacha Perry, trumpeters Greg Gisbert, Chris Persad and Joe Magnarelli, baritonist Gary Smulyan, trombonist John Mosca, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, altoist Gary Pribeck and guitarist Peter Bernstein.

D'Imperio is a tasteful drummer who swings the band at every tempo and serves the music without drawing undue attention to himself. But the listener always knows who's in charge. D'Imperio's approach to big band drumming often reminds me of the master Mel Lewis.

Those who love swinging big band music in the bebop mainstream should not hestitate over this excellent, stimulating, and heart-warming session (or Vol. 1). Both will provide hours of listening pleasure.