Royce Campbell/Vosbein Magee Big Band: Vagabond

Royce Campbell has an awesome and enviable worldwide reputation—as a jazz guitarist. Who knew he could also write this well, and for a big band, no less. All but one of the eleven engaging songs on Vagabond were composed by Campbell, and every one of the impressive charts was penned by his cousin and mentor, the late Carroll DeCamp, who had done the same for Stan Kenton and Larry Elgart, among others.

Campbell, who was born in Indiana, now lives in Virginia, the home base of the perhaps surprisingly tight and powerful Vosbein Magee Big Band, co-led by composer and educator Terry Vosbein and trumpeter and educator Chris Magee. Vagabond was recorded by Campbell and the band at a concert held sometime in 2024 somewhere in Virginia. No more need be known, as the outcome would be as handsome and pleasing no matter where or when it took place.

Campbell has a keen ear for an enticing melody, and uses it to good advantage on every number, from the blues-tipped opener, "Peepers," to the buoyant finale, "Viper," and everything in between. By the same token, Campbell plays guitar in a sunny and charming style that is well-nigh irresistible, soloing with ardor and assurance on every number. As for the band, it houses a number of stellar soloists, each of whom delivers the goods whenever his moment to shine arrives.

Trombonist Matt Niess, perhaps the only familiar name in the ensemble owing to his years of service in the U.S. Army Band, solos with Campbell on "Peepers," as do Magee, pianist Matthew Billings and soprano saxophonist Bill Schnepper on the soft-flowing "Gentle Breeze," Billings, bassist Bob Bowen, trombonist Tom Lundberg and alto Greg Moody on the tasteful "A Sharp Blues." The album's lone standard, Johnny Green's fervent "Body and Soul," follows, with Campbell the lone soloist, proving his mastery of a slow and subtle approach.

Latin comes to the fore on the tantalizing "Mambo Puente" (solos by Campbell and Magee), balladry on "Moon Cycle," on which Campbell and Moody's perceptive solos are complemented by flugelhornist Alec Moser. Schnepper's is the second solo voice on the album's upbeat title song, which precedes the colorful "Middle Ground," a second showcase for Campbell's nimble guitar, and the gentle "Dancing Waterfall," on which Campbell is escorted by trumpeter Kerry Moffitt. The tempo moderates even further on "Inner Peace," a well-oiled vehicle for Campbell, Schnepper (on flute) and baritone Kyle Greaney, before accelerating one last time on "Viper," a delightful closing number whose engaging soloists are Campbell and Cotton.

As is true on every number, the Vosbein Magee Band is squarely in the pocket, blowing with power and enthusiasm behind a razor- sharp rhythm section comprised of Billings, Bowen and drummer DeWayne Peters. The overall sound is clear and well-balanced, especially for a concert date, and the band channels a lovely stream of music that both seduces and satisfies the ear. Vagabond is one of the year's foremost big-band recordings, one whose replay value is intrinsic and rewarding.