Customer Reviews

Rollin With Von Ohlen & Live at Carmelo's

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The great John Von Ohlen, dubbed the Baron, by Stan Kenton, an alumni of both Kenton and Woody Herman orchestras, and keeper of the Mel Lewis school of swing, once again proves that he is the master of the groove. Like the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra at the Monday night Vangard sessions, the Baron holds court on Wednesday nights at the Bluewisp Jazz Club in downtown Cincinnati. This band is a group of local cats that play straight ahead big band jazz propelled by the presence of one of the finest big band drummers alive today. If you love swingin' big band jazz at it's best, this is it. The best kept secret between New York and LA. If these cuts don't make you snap your fingers, call the coroner. You're dead!

As a Cincinnati native, I grew up listening to the Blue Wisp Big Band in both their old club, and the new club downtown. If you're in Cincinnati on a Wednesday night, be sure to catch the big band live!

This recording is a welcome addition to my collection. John Von Ohlen is simply a master--a monster of drummer. If there was ever a guy who embodied "hep" and could cut a groove deep enough to swim in, he's the man. How can you not enjoy a man who once buried a ride cymbal in his back yard for a year to tame its tone?

This CD lacks some of my favorite up-tempo tunes like Straight Track, but even if you only listen to Rockin' and Rhythm (track 9), this disc is well worth your time and money!