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12

Article: Album Review

The Gary Urwin Jazz Orchestra: A Beautiful Friendship

Read "A Beautiful Friendship" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

Sometimes, just when it seems things couldn't possibly get any better, they do. That is certainly the case with A Beautiful Friendship, the spectacular new recording by arranger Gary Urwin's superlative southern California-based Jazz Orchestra. Having released three earlier albums showcasing the exceptional artistry of tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb and / or trombonist Bill Watrous, Urwin ...

11

Article: Album Review

Bob Lark and His Alumni Big Band: Sweet Return

Read "Sweet Return" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

As was the case two years ago (2012) with its first album, Reunion, trumpeter Bob Lark's Alumni Big Band on Sweet Return is comprised of musicians he has supervised in various groups during a long and eminent career that embodies more than twenty years as director of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in Chicago. Even so, ...

5

Article: Album Review

Jim Cutler: Gimme Some Sugar. Baby!

Read "Gimme Some Sugar. Baby!" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

The music on Seattle-based saxophonist Jim Cutler's second big-band album is thematic; that is to say, it was written with people, places or experiences in mind. Half of the album's ten engaging essays were written by trumpeter Daniel Barry, four by Cutler and one ("Visions at the Monkey Bar") by baritone saxophonist James DeJoie who has ...

7

Article: Album Review

The Urban Renewal Project: Local Legend

Read "Local Legend" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

If high spirits and good humor alone could carry the day, Local Legend, the second album by the California-based Urban Renewal Project, would earn five stars for candor and commitment. The group is comprised of talented musicians (twenty-seven in all) who believe in what they are doing and give every one of the album's nine numbers ...

11

Article: Album Review

Millennium Jazz Orchestra: Safety Zone

Read "Safety Zone" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

With the release of its eighth album, Safety Zone, the Millennium Jazz Orchestra from the Netherlands marks its twenty-fifth year under the astute guidance of composer / arranger Joan Reinders who formed the band in 1989 and recorded for the first time two years later. As interesting as the orchestra's growth as a unit has been ...

12

Article: Album Review

Dave Liebman Big Band: A Tribute to Wayne Shorter

Read "A Tribute to Wayne Shorter" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

In a career spanning almost half a century, soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman has appeared on more than five hundred recordings including seventy as leader of various groups. His latest, A Tribute to Wayne Shorter by the Dave Liebman Big Band, may well be the best one yet. Why? Because every single component, from choice of material ...

5

Article: Album Review

Vanguard Jazz Orchestra: OverTime: Music of Bob Brookmeyer

Read "OverTime: Music of Bob Brookmeyer" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

While it may be hard to believe, the reality is that the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is nearing the end of its first half-century together. Formed in 1966 as the Thad Jones -Mel Lewis Orchestra, it continued on after Jones' departure as the Mel Lewis Orchestra, then as the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra after Lewis' death in February ...

8

Article: Album Review

The Hollywood Tuba 12: 'Tis the Season TUBA Jolly!

Read "'Tis the Season TUBA Jolly!" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

As would be anticipated, there's a lot of huffin' and puffin'--as well as a surprisingly wide range of color and modulation--on 'Tis the Season TUBA Jolly!, a delightful holiday album by tuba maestro Jim Self and the Hollywood Tuba 12. Its name notwithstanding, there aren't a dozen tubas present on any given track but a mere ...

7

Article: Album Review

Jason Jackson: Inspiration

Read "Inspiration" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

After recording his first CD as leader in 2001, New York-based trombonist Jason Jackson took his time before releasing a second--thirteen years, to be exact. To say it was worth the wait would clearly be an understatement. Inspiration, on which Jackson employs horn, rhythm and string sections to emblazon his musical scenario, is a superb anthology ...

8

Article: Album Review

Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio: We're Back

Read "We're Back" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers

We're Back --a brief title that offers a tantalizing preview: an encore by drummer Gerry Gibbs and his all-star Thrasher Dream Trio (Ron Carter, bass; Kenny Barron, piano). This second time around, however, there are special guests--vibraphonist Warren Wolf, organist Larry Goldings, saxophonist Steve Wilson--and a menu that consists almost entirely of classic R&B and soul ...


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