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Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band: Eleven
By Track review of "Moanin’"Drummer Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band take swing seriously and prove it on Eleven. demonstrating their collective understanding of vertical musical evolution on eleven (mostly) contemporary compositions. Pieces by Mike Stern, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Michael Brecker are given breathtaking readings through refined arrangements teeming with compelling solos. Out of these mostly contemporary compositions, Bobby Timmons' canonic "Moanin'" is a stone-cold standout.
Arranged by tenor saxophonist Rob Middleton, who also solos on the piece, Timmons' masterpiece is given a retro introduction before Tom Kennedy's double bass leads into the familiar cotton field call-and-response with the reeds. The chorus features the harmonica of Rob Paparozzi, who can easily hold court with Toots Thielemans or Hendrik Meurkens. The reading is semi-standard, with ensemble interludes that complement Middleton well. All of the solos are superb, and the level of arranging and performance puts Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band well ahead of other contemporary big band offerings.
Track Listing
New Ground; Moanin'; Common Ground; Armando's Rhumba; Got A Match?; Spherical; Uncle Bob; On Fire; Butterfly; Open Invitation; Alma Llanera.
Personnel
Tommy Igoe
drumsTommy Igoe: drums, percussion; Tom Kennedy: acoustic bass, electric bass; Kenny Ascher: piano; Chris Jaudes: trumpet; Nick Marchione: trumpet; John Walsh: trumpet; Raul Agraz: trumpet; Glenn Drewes: trumpet; Isrea Butler: trombone; Andy Hunter: trumbone; Jeff Nelson: bass trombone; Nathan Childers: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Matt Hong: alto saxophone,flute; Dan Willis: tenor saxophone, flute; Rob Middleton: tenor saxophone, flute; Barbara Cifelli: baritone saxophone, flute;Rob Paparozzi: harmonica (2); Hector Martignon: piano (8); Rolando Morales-Matos: percussion, vibes (1, 6, 8, 9, 11).
Album information
Title: Eleven | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Self Produced
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