Whatever Bubbles Up [Limited Edition]

Bob Florence | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 5, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Limited Edition
• Label: Summit(Classical)
• ASIN: B0000AM6JU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #345,907 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superlative Big Band Jazz - One of the Best of '03, January 17, 2004

By 

John Tapscott (Canada) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Whatever Bubbles Up (Audio CD)

Even at age 70, composer/arranger/pianist Bob Florence continues to challenge himself, his musicians, and his listeners. Without question Florence is one of jazz's top arrangers and while his music has always had been creative and unpredictable, these qualities are perhaps even more to the fore on "Whatever Bubbles Up." In fact, even long-time fans of big band jazz may need at least half-a dozen listens to absorb this superlative CD. But it is well worth the effort, as this music (recorded in 2002) rewards continued attention.

As with Bob's previous CD ("Serendipity" 18) this one incorporates a guitarist (Larry Koonse) into the rhythm section. Overall, the rhythm section, completed by Florence on piano, bassist Trey Henry and drummer Dick Weller, has a loose, adventurous, sometimes unsettled feel which keeps listeners on their musical toes. Of course, this rhythm section can swing hard in a more conventional sense, as behind Jeff Driskill's tenor solo on the opening "Dukeisms" or softly, as on parts of "Kissin' Bug" and Florence's attractive "Q&A". In any case, this well recorded music definitely commands your attention at every turn.

All the Florence trademarks are on this CD, such as the hard-driving repeated riffs which work into the listener's mind, (the title tune and "Running With Scissors"), the quirky and memorable melodic lines, ("Running", "Nerve Endings"), the effective use of dynamics ("Kissin' Bug"), the superb sectional work (hear the trombones on "Chelsea Bridge" or the saxes on "Whatever Bubbles Up"), the shifting moods within a single piece (Q&A), and the impeccable ensemble playing throughout.

This superb 74 minute CD (not 51 as indicated on the cover) bubbles over with creativity, advanced swing and high musicianship. Whenever Bob Florence releases a CD, it has to be considered one of the best jazz CD's of the year and so it is with "Whatever Bubbles Up." Strongly recommended to lovers of advanced big band jazz.