The Midiri Brothers Orchestra: Finger Bustin'

Jack Bowers

Senior Contributor since 1997

A former newspaper writer / editor who has been writing about big-band Jazz for more than fifteen years.

Recent articles (1,749 total)

Published: May 1, 2001

The Midiri Brothers are drummer Paul and clarinetist Joe who’s the clear–cut headliner on this high–spirited album by quartet, quintet and big band. The passionate Goodman disciple commands the spotlight on almost every selection, and for good reason — he’s a world–class swing–based player whose melodious salvos never fail to please. Vocalist Paula Johns shares center stage on five of the ten big–band numbers (Sidney Bechet’s “Petite Fleur” is performed by a quintet, Charlie Shavers’ “Undecided” and Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” by a quartet, each led by Joe Midiri and including Paul on drums, bassist Bruce Kaminsky and guitarist Pat Mercuri with pianist Joe Holt added on “Petite Fleur”). Johns has a genial mid–range voice and sunny disposition that blend well with the orchestra’s swinging purpose, especially on “Come Dance with Me,” “Bye Bye Blackbird” and her call–and–response antics with the band on Sy Oliver / Trummy Young’s “’Tain’t What You Do” (with Joe Midiri on alto sax). She’s not the only singer; Jim Lawlor, who shares the drum chair with Paul Midiri, gives us the lowdown on “Caldonia” and Joe Midiri lays aside the reeds for a few moments to fashion a respectable Louis Armstrong impression on “I Want a Little Girl.” Joe Midiri shows his more pensive side on “Petite Fleur,” “Night and Day” and his transcription of Bob Haggart’s “My Inspiration,” and uses both alto and clarinet to hotfoot it through Tootie Camarata’s searing finale, the aptly named “Finger Bustin’.” Joe Midiri’s definitely the genuine article and the album’s forty–four minutes–plus contains lots of good music that’s fun to hear and appreciate.

Contact:Joseph Midiri, P.O. Box 961, Mays Landing, NJ 08330; EMidiri@aol.com

Track Listing: Clarinade; Don

Personnel: Joe Midiri, clarinet, alto sax; Paul Midiri (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13), Jim Lawlor (2, 4, 6, 8

Record Label: MBO
Style: Big Band