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Tom Taylor: The Crossing
by Jack Bowers
Asked what kind of music he writes, composer / guitarist Taylor replies, “Tom Taylor music.” He does have a keen ear for a charming melody, that’s for sure. Jazz, strictly speaking, it ain’t (although some parts might qualify); interesting, it definitely is. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Taylor’s eccentric compositions, which blend elements of Jazz, rock, ...
The Towson State University Jazz Ensemble: The Return of the Tiger
by Jack Bowers
The third recording by the Towson State University Jazz Ensemble (which, for those who find such information useful, is in Maryland) arrived in mid–winter unclothed; that is to say, no booklet, no tray card, no liner notes, only the CD itself in a jewel box. What this means is that no personnel are listed, nor is ...
The River City Jazz Orchestra: Young Lions and Old Cats
by Jack Bowers
A superb second release by maestro Dean Stringer’s River City Jazz Orchestra but with a slightly misleading name. While the “cats” on its marquee may be old in terms of the years that have elapsed since their birthdate, when it comes to playing big–band Jazz with drive and enthusiasm they’re literally younger than springtime. As proof, ...
The Sandviken Big Band: 30 Years in Business...
by Jack Bowers
I've heard and reviewed a great number of marvelous big'band albums from Europe, but none that surpasses this dynamic concert date by Sweden's superb Sandviken Big Band which has 'desert island candidate' written all over it. One can present nothing beyond an acclamatory appraisal, as Sandviken simply provides no credible reason for censure ' nor do ...
The Jazz Arts Big Band: And That's That
by Jack Bowers
When a friend mentioned a new recording by the Jazz Arts Big Band, my first thought was of the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus, Ohio (now the Columbus Jazz Orchestra). As it turns out, this surprisingly accomplished community–based ensemble is from Fargo, ND / Moorhead, MN, which in geographical terms is hundreds of miles from Columbus; ...
Pat's Big Band: Big Band.ch
by Jack Bowers
Pat’s full name is Patrick Dill, and his Swiss–based ensemble plays music from the swing and big–band eras with the precision and reliability of one of that country’s renowned watches. If accuracy were enough, Pat’s Big Band would be seated near the head of any class. As it is, the band is quite good at what ...
Vaughn Nark with the Airmen of Note: Flying High
by Jack Bowers
For two decades, until his retirement in 1993, trumpeter Vaughn Nark was the mainspring of one of the world’s leading contemporary Jazz ensembles, the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note. His many contributions as the band’s lead and Jazz trumpeter were so impressive that Nark was presented, by Presidential order, the Meritorious Service Medal in appreciation ...
Kathy Jenkins: From This Moment On
by Jack Bowers
Pianist / composer Nick Levinovsky, whose dazzling big–band debut, Listen Up!, was reviewed earlier this year, shines the spotlight this time on his lovely and talented wife, Kathy Jenkins, using his band (and trio) as picturesque backdrops for her bright–eyed vocals. Jenkins, whose background is musical theatre and cabaret, has conclusively mastered the subtleties of Jazz ...
The Doncaster Jazz Orchestra . . . and Friends: Have You Heard . . .
by Jack Bowers
If you haven’t heard — haven’t heard the Doncaster Jazz Orchestra, that is — it’s time you did, as the 25–year–old DJO is one of the most talented young bands Great Britain has to offer, and its latest recording is a corker from start to finish. What is perhaps most impressive is the way these young ...
The Quincy Jones Big Band: Lausanne 1960
by Jack Bowers
Quincy Jones made a number of recordings while traveling through western Europe with his big band nearly 40 years ago. This is the best one we’ve heard. Although sound quality is typical of an early–’60s radio broadcast, which this was, Quincy’s all–star ensemble is kicking butt and taking no prisoners in Lausanne, Switzerland. As no less ...
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