The Mike Vax Big Band Featuring Alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra: Sounds from the Road

Sounds from the Road has all the excitement (and then some) that one might expect from former Stan Kenton lead trumpeter Vax and this crew of former Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman and other big band alums. Led by Vax's incredible lead and solo playing, this effort is a tour, alright—a tour de force of superb big band jazz and solo artistry.

Recorded live during the 2008 tour, Sounds from the Road sends up 14 first-class big band selections. As one might expect from a Kentonista, the arrangements are big, brash and full of brass balls. "Alex's Tune" kicks off the CD swinging hard and heavy. Other selections showcase the talents of big band stars such as trumpeters Carl Saunders (on a beautifully Don Fagerquist-tinged "Autumn in New York") and Steve Huffsteter (who also offers up two terrific arrangements, the Oliver Nelson-esque "Mr. Natural" and trombone showcase, "Boney."). Songbook classics such as "Pennies from Heaven;" Kenton's own wonderfully arranged "I'm Glad There Is You;" the slickly arranged vocal "On a Slow Boat to China;" "All the Things You Are" and "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" are impeccably played with a balance and respect for subtle dynamics and shading. "Malaguena," "Variations on a Brazilian Folk Song" and "La Virgen de la Macarena" add the spicy Latin flair the Stan Kenton band delivered.

The rhythm section here, especially drummer Gary Hobbs, drives the ensemble to the heights of swing. Sadly, this was one of the last recordings by the legendary pianist/composer/arranger Bob Florence.

Those believing that the epitaph is to be written for big band might reconsider, based on Sounds from the Road. It is testimony not only to the greatness of these wonderful musicians and composer/arrangers, but also the very concept of the jazz big band. Sounds from the Road sounds marvelous.

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