Jazz Articles

Megan West: Swingin' Big Band

by Jack Bowers
October 1, 2001

Here’s a generous helping of Nouveau Swing from drummer Megan West’s California–based big band, which at least partly recoups in enthusiasm what it lacks in other areas, specifically precision. West, who has been playing drums since age twelve, formed her first band as long ago as 1975 and put the present group together last year. She steps aside on three numbers — “Honeysuckle Rose,” “It’s a Blue World,” “St. Louis Blues March” — to allow friend and mentor Jack Sperling ...