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USAF Airmen of Note: Aim High/The 2024 Jazz Heritage Series
ByLike all concerts by service bands, the Jazz Heritage series, begun in 1990, is free to the public, which would be a bargain even if those ensembles were not among the country's best. But they are. No one simply walks into an AON rehearsal and takes a seat; he or she must audition for a chair. Those who pass those exams are the best of the best, an opinion that is borne out immediately on Aim High, which consists of nine radiant yet challenging arrangements, three each by multi-instrumentalist Gordon Goodwin and bassist Rodney Whitaker and a pair by trumpeter Jon Faddis, in that order. The last number, "Things to Come," was written by Dizzy Gillespie and arranged by Gil Fuller. That the AON has no problem unraveling any of them is all that anyone need know about the superior level of musicianship displayed by the ensemble, individually and collectively. And every number was performed for an audience, with no do-overs or safety net.
The concert opens with a flat-out burner, Goodwin's "Don't Blink," followed by his medium-tempo charmer, "Second Chances," and frolicsome, fast-paced "Hunting Wabbits," the last inspired by the zany Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd cartoons once produced by Warner Brothers. Pianist Chris Ziemba solos on "Don't Blink," flugel Logan Keese and alto Kristian Baarsvik or Mike Cemprola (not designated) on "Second Chances," Cemprola, Ziemba and trombonist Jonathan Campbell on "Hunting Wabbits." Whitaker's "A Mother's Cry" opens, appropriately, with his resonant solo bass before transitioning to strong and eloquent ensemble passages, supporting impressive solos by guitarist Geoff Reecer, soprano Baarsvik, tenor Grant Langford, Whitaker and drummer Kevin McDonald. Campbell's fluent trombone is showcased (with Whitaker playing arco and open) on the easygoing "Darr Niles," Ziemba, McDonald, baritone Seth Ebersole and trumpeter Luke Brandon on the rhythmically and harmonically enchanting hummer, "Woman Child."
Faddis is featured on his compositions, the dynamic "Hey Lalo!" and sublime "Waltz for My Fathers and Brothers" (both arranged by Michael Philip Mossman), as well as on Gillespie's ferocious, chops-busting workout, "Things to Come." Trombonist Matt Hetwer also solos on "Lalo!," bassist Ben Thomas on "Waltz," trombonist Kevin Cerovich and tenor Tedd Baker on "Things to Come." While Faddis is now a masterful veteran, not the celebrated young lion he once was, time has only sharpened his edge and deepened his perception. In other words, he is playing as well as ever, if not even more splendidly than in years past. The same can be said of the Airmen of Note, now a venerable seventy-four years old but as sharp and spunky as ever. Whatever their purpose, the Airmen always Aim High, and invariably split the target dead center with the first well-aimed volley.
Track Listing
Don’t Blink; Second Chances; Hunting Wabbits; A Mother’s Cry; Darr Niles; Woman Child; Hey Lalo!; Waltz for My Fathers and Brothers; Things to Come.
Personnel
The Airmen of Note
band / ensemble / orchestraBrian MacDonald
trumpetKevin Burns
trumpetGordon Goodwin
composer / conductorRodney Whitaker
bassJon Faddis
trumpetAdditional Instrumentation
Luke Brandon, Logan Keese: trumpet; Kristian Baarsvik, Mike Comproda: alto sax, flute; Tedd Baker, Grant Langford: tenor sax, clarinet; Seth Ebersole: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Matt Hettwer, Nate Campbell, Kevin Cerovich: trombone; Benjamin Polk: bass trombone; Geoff Reecer: guitar; Chris Ziemba: Ben Thomas: piano; Kevin McDonald (US Navy Commodores): bass; Clara Campbell: drums.
Album information
Title: Aim High/The 2024 Jazz Heritage Series | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About The Airmen of Note
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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