Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The John La Barbera Big Band: Grooveyard
The John La Barbera Big Band: Grooveyard
ByWes Montgomery's "Grooveyard" launches a hip, swinging first course in which tenor man Pat La Barbera and guitarist Brandon Coleman provide fine solos. The upbeat momentum continues with the serendipitous melody and Chick Corea-like feel of "My New Summer Samba." Dave Brubeck's salute to his spouse, the lovely waltz "Iola," is a showcase for pianist Renee Rosnes (who shines here and throughout the session). Long a Mancini acolyte, La Barbera's "Thanks Hank" is a slick hat-tip to Henry Mancini and that Master's stylings. Close your eyes and you are at a '50s smoke-filled "Mother's."
La Barbera, who earned his "made man" status writing extensively for the Buddy Rich Band, possesses a superb arranging style in which there is a surprise around every corner. He shrewdly presents material to these New York A-Listers which challenges and encourages them, and they respond with vigor. Unlike his Rich material which framed the firebrand, these arrangements offer extensive use of woodwind colorings and slick orchestration doublings. One example among many is the Latin "Choro Para Thiago" in which clarinetists Juan Ruiz and Sam Sadigursky present melodic joy, even offering two sly Dizzy Gillespie tune nods"And Then She" and Salt Peanuts."
In addition to the fine woodwind and brass section playing, lead trumpeter John Chudoba and lead trombonist Ryan Keberle forge things ahead. The outstanding rhythm section of Rosnes, Rufus Reid, and brother Joe La Barbera provides dynamic energy throughout. A magnanimous leader, La Barbera offers extensive opportunities for soloists to shine. Trumpeter Brandon Lee does just that on La Barbera's "Messenger"-like original, "K's Delight." "Mandatory Blues" is a "Tom Cat" creeper, offering great solos from Steve Wilson and Clay Jenkins. Elvin Jones "Keiko's Birthday March" is a flat-out burner which showcases drummer Joe La Barbera's paradiddling, with sibling Pat parrying away furiously and delivering a perfectly apropos closer.
"Grooveyard" is a supremely inviting and enthusiastic romp. It is well-balanced in every way and possesses subtleties which surprise, intrigue, and encourage multiple aural visits.
Track Listing
Grooveyard; My New Summer Samba; For Iola; Thanks Hank; Tranesome; Choro Para Thiago; K’s Delight; Mandatory Blues; Sweetness; Keiko’s Birthday March.
Personnel
John La Barbera
composer / conductorSteve Wilson
saxophone, altoErica von Kleist
saxophonePat La Barbera
saxophoneSam Sadigursky
saxophone, altoAndy Gutauskas
woodwindsJohn Chudoba
trumpetBrian Pareschi
trumpetBrandon Lee
trumpetClay Jenkins
trumpetRyan Keberle
tromboneMike Davis
cornetSara Jacovino
tromboneDavid Taylor
drumsBrandon Scott Coleman
guitarRenee Rosnes
pianoRufus Reid
bass, acousticFrank Gravis
bass, electricKiko Sebrian
drumsJoe La Barbera
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Steve Wilson: flute; Erika Von Kleist: flute; Pat La Barbera: soprano saxophone; Sam Sadigursky: clarinet; Andy Gutauskas: bass clarinet; Juan Ruiz: clarinet (6); Brian Pareschi: Lead (7,9); Mike Davis: Lead (7); Renee Rosnes: keyboards;
Album information
Title: Grooveyard | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Origin Records
Comments
About John La Barbera
Instrument: Composer / conductor
Related Articles | Concerts | Albums | Photos | Similar To