Trombonist Mike Barone is a composer, arranger and leader of smashing big bands. As a sideman, he recorded on albums that include Supersax Plays Bird (1973), Oliver Nelson's Sound Pieces (1966) on Impulse, Johnny Hartman's Unforgettable Songs (1966) and I Love Everybody (1967), and Shelly Manne's My Fair Lady with the Un-original Cast (1964).
On the side, Mike arranged and led touring big bands that knocked out audiences. His band was a well-kept secret, especially in Los Angeles. The first recording under his name, on the V.S.O.P. label, was Live at Donte's, 1968, with a killer West Coast band that included Buddy Childers and Mike's brother Gary on trumpet; Med Flory, Bill Perkins and Jack Nimitz on reeds; and Mike Wofford on piano, among others.
A bunch of weeks ago, Mike sent me a previously unreleased recording of his big band that pre-dates the Donte's album—Live at Los Angeles City College, 1967. Captured on the afternoon of November 22, 1967, the 10 tracks are explosive and swinging and performed by a band comprised of monster players:
Mike Barone (tb solos); Larry McGuire, Buddy Childers, Bud Billings and Gary Barone (tp); Charlie Loper, Vince Diaz and Ernie Tack (tb); Dave Edwards, Bill Perkins, Lou Ciotti, Bill Hood and Joe Lopes (saxophones); Mike Wofford (p); Monty Budwig (b) and John Guerin (d). Nine of the 10 songs were arranged by Mike; Georgia was scored by Mike Wofford.
The good news is the album is now up on Spotify (here) and YouTube (here) for free. The sound isn't studio quality but it's plenty good and holds up well when cranked up to hear Mike's gift for arranging and the band's ability to send charts over the moon.
And when you're finished with Live at Los Angeles City College, 1967, you'll find Mike's Live at Donte's on Spotify and YouTube among other big band albums. Absolutely great charts, a seriously well-rehearsed big band and an out-of-sight drummer in John Guerin. Shades of the Elliot Lawrence Big Band of the 1950s and the all-in spirit of Maynard Ferguson's 1960s big bands. I'm with that guy whistling in the audience. Out of sight!
Jazzwax tracks: Here's Flupp (dig that reed section!)...
And here's Just Messin' Around...
On the side, Mike arranged and led touring big bands that knocked out audiences. His band was a well-kept secret, especially in Los Angeles. The first recording under his name, on the V.S.O.P. label, was Live at Donte's, 1968, with a killer West Coast band that included Buddy Childers and Mike's brother Gary on trumpet; Med Flory, Bill Perkins and Jack Nimitz on reeds; and Mike Wofford on piano, among others.
A bunch of weeks ago, Mike sent me a previously unreleased recording of his big band that pre-dates the Donte's album—Live at Los Angeles City College, 1967. Captured on the afternoon of November 22, 1967, the 10 tracks are explosive and swinging and performed by a band comprised of monster players:
Mike Barone (tb solos); Larry McGuire, Buddy Childers, Bud Billings and Gary Barone (tp); Charlie Loper, Vince Diaz and Ernie Tack (tb); Dave Edwards, Bill Perkins, Lou Ciotti, Bill Hood and Joe Lopes (saxophones); Mike Wofford (p); Monty Budwig (b) and John Guerin (d). Nine of the 10 songs were arranged by Mike; Georgia was scored by Mike Wofford.
The good news is the album is now up on Spotify (here) and YouTube (here) for free. The sound isn't studio quality but it's plenty good and holds up well when cranked up to hear Mike's gift for arranging and the band's ability to send charts over the moon.
And when you're finished with Live at Los Angeles City College, 1967, you'll find Mike's Live at Donte's on Spotify and YouTube among other big band albums. Absolutely great charts, a seriously well-rehearsed big band and an out-of-sight drummer in John Guerin. Shades of the Elliot Lawrence Big Band of the 1950s and the all-in spirit of Maynard Ferguson's 1960s big bands. I'm with that guy whistling in the audience. Out of sight!
Jazzwax tracks: Here's Flupp (dig that reed section!)...
And here's Just Messin' Around...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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