Results for "Mike Abene"

Jotting Down the Notes / The Arrangers: Part 1

by Monk Rowe
August 10, 2023

Alan Rubin: Mr. Fabulous in Every Way

by Nicholas F. Mondello
August 4, 2021

In the Hebrew language, the ancient word “Rubin" translates as “Behold, a son!" Yes, Alan Rubin, trumpeter, actor, studio phenomenon, beloved friend, respected colleague, loving husband and soulmate to his wife, Mary, was something to behold. Many people—even non-musicians— remember Rubin as a stalwart member of the “Saturday Night Live" and Blues Brothers Bands and as ...

Rich Willey's Boptism Big Band: Down & Dirty

by Jack Bowers
July 21, 2019

What's in a name? While that maxim remains a matter for debate, don't let this particular name mislead you. In the parlance of trumpeter Rich Willey's Los Angeles-based Boptism Big Band, Down & Dirty translates into well-scrubbed & swinging. There's really no better way to describe the performance of eleven of Willey's wide-ranging compositions and one ...

Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra: Without A Trace

by Jack Bowers
May 7, 2018

Grudging good wishes to New Yorkers who are able to see and hear the world-class Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra on a fairly regular basis. Everyone else must make do with the occasional recording (Without a Trace is only the second by the ten-year-old ensemble which made its debut in 2008). That's not nearly enough, of course, ...

Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine: Tasty Tunes

by Jack Bowers
February 11, 2018

Tasty Tunes is the fifth CD by Ira B. Liss' stalwart San Diego-based Jazz Machine, which was formed almost forty years ago, in 1979--a span that, when reckoned in big-band years, is much closer to a century or more. While other bands have come and gone the Jazz Machine has adamantly stayed the course, presenting dynamic ...