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Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra: Happenstance
ByFor a segment of Jazz that has been pronounced dead on more than one occasion, the big bands certainly make a lively corpse! As usual when an unheralded ensemble makes such an indelible impression, a large share of credit must be given to the charts, all of which, in this case, were framed by Buselli or Wallarab. They include four originals by Buselli ("Jovian Comets," "I Remember Sherrie," "The Trouble with Triplets," "Taboo") and two by Wallarab ("A Gentle Fall," "Happenstance") complementing Buselli's splendid arrangements of the standards "Everything I Love" and "Long Ago and Far Away" and Wallarab's of "My One and Only Love," "Nature Boy," Buselli's "Taboo" and Duke Ellington's "Azure" and "Cottontail" (complete with razorkeen trombone soli).
Frankly, I never thought I'd relish having that rabbit saddled up and running once more, but Buselli's innovative approach changed my mind; he gives the shopworn thumper a fresh and engaging spin that reclaims its inherent magnetism. One of the more compelling aspects of the BW orchestra is its notable restraint; while there is power to spare in every section, it is expended judiciously and always with the goal of adding more color and spice to the tonal pallette, a strategy that works exceedingly well throughout the session. This is a band that doesn't have to scream to press home its musical ideas. There's no need to dwell at length on the various soloists, as their names are unfamiliar, except to affirm that every one of them is firstrate, especially Buselli (trumpet), Wallarab (trombone), pianist Luke Gillespie (featured on "Jovian Comets"), clarinetist Chuck Carter (ditto on "My One and Only Love") and tenors Frank Glover (clarinet on "Long Ago and Far Away") and Dennis Riggins.
The enterprising rhythm section (Gillespie, bassist John Huber, drummer Gene Markiewicz) is another strong point, as are lead trumpeter Larry Wiseman, bass trombonist Richard Dole and French horn player Celeste Holler who, with Buselli and Wallarab's fabulous arrangements, help make Happenstance an early frontrunner in the Best BigBand Jazz Album of the Year sweepstakes.
Track Listing
A Gentle Fall; Jovian Comets; Happenstance; My One and Only Love; Everything I Love; Azure; Cottontail; Nature Boy; I Remember Sherrie; The Trouble with Triplets; Taboo; Long Ago and Far Away.
Personnel
Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra
band / ensemble / orchestraMark Buselli
trumpetBrent Wallarab
tromboneGene Markiewicz
drumsJohn Huber
bassLuke Gillespie
pianoCeleste Holler
french hornLarry Wiseman
trumpetJeff Conrad
trumpetJames de la Garza
trumpetAllen Miller
trumpetLoy Herrick
tromboneGina Wallarab
tromboneNate Maryland
tromboneRichard Dole
tromboneTom Meyer
saxophoneDennis Riggins
saxophoneGreg Imboden
saxophoneHarry Miedema
saxophoneFrank Glover
clarinetWoodwinds: Tom Walsh; Chuck Carter.
Album information
Title: Happenstance | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Midcoast Music
Comments
About Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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