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Ralph Pyl's Sydney All-Star Big Band: Pyldriver
ByWith one notable exceptionBilly Strayhorn's shop-worn "Take the 'A' Train," wonderfully reconditioned by Bob Florencethe All-Stars play only original compositions, six of which were written and arranged by members of the band, and each of which is top-drawer. No less admirable are Canadian Terry Promane's swinging "This But's for You," Judy Bailey's "Child's Play" (cleverly based on a number of nursery rhymes), and Richard Percival's lusty bow to the great woodwind virtuoso, "Paquito."
Trombonist Dave Panichi composed "Pyldriver" and "Sensuale," saxophonist Graham Jesse "Shoalhaven Sunrise" and "Pitt Street," trumpeter and American expatriate Don Rader "Blues Down Under" and "Newtown Tango." Each of them does double duty, with Panichi soloing brilliantly on "This But's for You," Jesse on "Paquito" (alto) and "Tango" (soprano), Rader on "This But's for You" and "'A' Train." But we shouldn't single them out, as everyone else is similarly impressive, from trumpeters Pyl, Warwick Alder and Paul Panichi to tenors Mark Taylor and Craig Walters, clarinetist Adrian Cunningham, baritone Blaine Whittaker, pianist Bill Risby, bassist Brendan Clarke and drummer Gordon Rytmeister. And we mustn't overlook the guitarists. There are three, and each oneBen Hauptmann, Rex Goh, Jim Pennellis heard to good advantage, Hauptmann on "Pyldriver," Pennell on "'A' Train," Goh on "Paquito" and "Pitt Street."
Especially captivating are the saxophone quintet that introduces "Pitt Street" and Risby's deft use of "piano/accordion" to simulate the bandoneon on the evocative "Newtown Tango." Again, however, one must be careful not to over-praise a particular component (even though the temptation is almost irresistible, especially when citing the rhythm section), as everything on the album is exemplary. There is, in fact, nothing unflattering to be said about Pyldriver, which is one of the most electrifying big-band albums it has been my pleasure to hear and review in quite some time, and an unequivocal addition to the year's Top Ten listing.
Track Listing
Pyldriver; This But
Personnel
Ralph Pyl
trumpetRalph Pyl, leader, trumpet; Paul Panichi, Don Rader, Warwick Alder, trumpet, flugelhorn; Graham Jesse, Adrian Cunningham, Craig Walters, Mark Taylor, Blaine Whittaker, reeds; Dave Panichi, Anthony Kable, Ben Gurton, Colin Philpott, trombone; Bill Risby, piano, keyboards; Jim Pennell, Rex Goh, Ben Hauptmann, guitar; Brendan Clarke, bass; Gordon Rytmeister, drums; Tony Azzopardi, percussion. Additional musicians ?" John Pennings, trumpet; Steve Fitzmaurice, reeds.
Album information
Title: Pyldriver | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Newmarket Music