Los Angeles Jazz Institute Festival "Big Band Spectacular" 2017, Part 4-4

"Bebopaloosa" (spelling deliberately approximate!) was a delightful bebop travelogue, composed from successive two-phrase motifs taken from Charlie Parker tunes, and based upon Bb Rhythm changes. Ann Patterson, relaxing after leading the previous concert, was brought in as an unexpected guest. She played two wonderful bebop alto sax solo choruses alongside Kubis, who then delivered two equally fine choruses of post-bop tenor sax, before they traded friendly fours. Trombonist Alex Iles played three fine solo choruses, followed by two of Jay Mason's authoritative baritone saxophone. A masterful bass solo from Trey Henry led into a Supersax-like solo passage full of more Parker tunes, before a vigorous drum solo from Ray Brinker. "Won't You Please Come Home, Bill Bailey" was a perhaps unlikely encore. It began with a magnificent solo piano introduction from Jim Cox, who played an encyclopedic trip through jazz piano history from ragtime to the present. The arrangement proper began in a fast swing tempo, and featured the fine trombone section, with a brilliant a capella chorus, and a series of super solos from bass trombonist Rich Bullock, and his tenor bone colleagues Francisco Torres, Alex Iles and the irrepressible Andy Martin. The festival was nearing its finale, but the audience was very happy to stay on till the end.

The band played with great swing, splendid ensemble work and brilliant rhythm section drive throughout the concert, the leader's engaging stage manner and friendly banter continuing until all was over.

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