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The Scott Silbert Big Band: Jump Children
ByThere is one brief detour on the colorful trip down memory lane. Silbert, who arranges for the superlative Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, composed and arranged "Tootsie's Rag," whose exuberant harmonies and rhythms readily complement the rest of the program. Only one band is represented more than once: the renowned International Sweethearts of Rhythm, by the opening "Jump Children" and the high-spirited "She's Crazy with the Heat." Gretchen Midgley (misspelled Midgely twice) sings on "Jump Children" and "11:60 P.M.," on which trumpeter Joshua Kaufmann sits in for the incomparable Harry James. That number precedes another Swing Era classic, guitarist Freddie Green's irrepressible "Down for Double," written for the Basie orchestra.
Speaking of classics, the album closes with Edgar Sampson's well-traveled masterpiece, "Stompin' at the Savoy," meticulously transcribed by Silbert (who did the same for every number) and admirably performed by the band whose excellent brass and reeds are led by trumpeter Liesl Whitaker, trombonist Dave Perkel and alto saxophonist Charlie Young. The rhythm section (Tony Nalker, piano; Craig Gildner, guitar; Amy Shook, bass; Ken Kimery, drums) is no less impressive. Several are alumni (as is Silbert) of the US Navy Commodores or other DC-area service bands. Silbert solos on tenor sax and clarinet (five numbers each), and even sings (quite well) on Louis Jordan's "I Want a Roof (Over My Head)." Besides Silbert and Kaufmann, the soloists are Young, Nalker, Gildner, Kimery, tenor Grant Langford, baritone Leigh Pilzer, trombonist Jen Krupa, trumpeter Chris Walker and even Whitaker who usually limits herself to lead trumpet duties. What is most remarkable is how everyone plays in a "modern" groove without sacrificing the resourcefulness and ardor that epitomized their trailblazing predecessors.
Aside from the songs already mentioned, the playlist includes "Annie Laurie," "In a Persian Market," "Jumpin' Pumpkins," "Edna," "Dusk," "Lullaby in Rhythm," "Chloe" and "Shipyard Ramble." Every one of them a winner, as is Jump Children from start to finish. For those who lived through the Swing Era, it's a treasure trove of warm and unforgettable memories; for those who didn't, it's a chance to hear and appreciate some of the songs that helped make it a Golden Age for American music in general and jazz in particular.
Track Listing
Jump Children; Annie Laurie; In a Persian Market; Jumpin’ Punkins; Edna; Tootsie’s Rag; I Want a Roof (Over My Head); Dusk; Lullaby in Rhythm; 11:60 P.M.; Down for Double; Chloe; Shipyard Ramble; She’s Crazy with the Heat; Stompin’ at the Savoy.
Personnel
Scott Silbert
saxophone, tenorLiesl Whitaker
trumpetJoshua Kaufmann
trumpetChris Walker
drumsCharlie Young
saxophone, altoAntonio Parker
saxophoneGrant Langford
saxophone, altoLeigh Pilzer
saxophone, baritoneDave Perkel
tromboneJen Krupa
tromboneKirsten Warfield
tromboneTony Nalker
pianoCraig Gildner
pianoAmy Shook
bass, acousticKen Kimery
drumsGretchen Midgley
vocalsAlbum information
Title: Jump Children | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Scott Silbert
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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