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Flying Horse Big Band: Florida Rays
ByIndeed, it is the impressive charts by Rupert, Harry Allen, Per Danielsson, Michael Philip Mossman, Mark Taylor and Richard Drexler that redeem for the most part what could have been a perfunctory and tedious recitation of Charles' greatest hits. The band bends its collective shoulder to the wheel, helping transform the customary R&B licks and rhythms into something more closely akin to big-band jazz. As for the vocalists, even though none of them is named Ray Charles they are exemplary stand-ins, each one mirroring in his or her own way the incomparable sagacity and charisma of the master. Paparozzi, who doubles on harmonica, is center stage on half a dozen numbers including four in a row ("Let the Good Times Roll," "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "I'm Movin' On," "It Should've Been Me"), Villastrigo on four ("It Should've Been Me," "What'd I Say," "You Don't Know Me," "Unchain My Heart").
Simmons makes the most of her three appearanceson "Lonely Avenue," "What'd I Say" and (with Paparozzi) "Hit the Road, Jack"as does Dentley on Joe Raposo's plaintive anthem for Kermit the Frog, "(It's Not Easy) Bein' Green." Tenor saxophonist Ryan Devlin fashions a superb solo there, a manifesto he amplifies on "One Mint Julep," "Hallelujah," "Watermelon Man" and "Hit the Road." Other admirable soloists include guitarist Daniel Howard, tenor Dylan Hannan ("I'm Movin On") and trombonists Jeremiah St. John and Christian Herrera, who trade sturdy salvos on "Let the Good Times Roll." This is an enterprising albeit anomalous cruise that could easily have run aground but doesn't, thanks largely to Rupert's superior leadership and those wonderful arrangers. Kudos to them and to that admirable band, whose abiding spirit has enabled the Florida Rays to focus their radiant light on the memorable music of Ray Charles.
Track Listing
One Mint Julep; Let the Good Times Roll; Hallelujah I Love Her So; I’m Movin’ On; It Should’ve Been Me; Lonely Avenue; What’d I Say; You Don’t Know Me; Watermelon Man; (It’s Not Easy) Bein’ Green; Hit the Road, Jack; Busted; Unchain My Heart.
Personnel
Jeff Rupert
composer / conductorMarco Rivera
trumpetMatt Pieper
trumpetKaylie Genton
trumpetRandy Le
guitarDeclan Ward
saxophone, altoAndy Garcia
saxophoneRyan Devlin
saxophone, tenorDylan Hannan
saxophone, tenorJustin Dudley
saxophone, baritoneJeremiah St. John
tromboneChristian Herrera
tromboneJacob Henderson
tromboneGarrett Gauvin
trombone, bassCollin Oliver
pianoAdditional Instrumentation
Carl Fleitz: piano, Hammond organ; Richard Drexler: piano (10); Daniel Howard: guitar; Michael Santos: acoustic, electric bass; Devon Costanza: drums; Marty Morell: percussion (9, 13). Guest artists—Rob Paparozzi: vocals, harmonica (2-5, 11, 12); Vance Villastrigo: vocals (5, 7, 8, 13), piano (8); DaVonda Simmons: vocals (6, 7, 11); Khristian Dentley: vocal (10).
Album information
Title: Florida Rays | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Flying Horse Records
Comments
About Jeff Rupert
Instrument: Composer / conductor
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