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The United States Air Force Band: Veterans of Jazz
ByUsing tunes associated with artists allows for the inclusion of Great American Songbook standards, further broadening the stylistic range. So Tony Bennett is saluted with Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek," Cannonball Adderley with Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Happy Talk," John Coltrane with "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," and Chet Baker with "The Thrill is Gone" (the standard, not the B.B. King hit of the same name). "Cloudburst" is a special case: dedicatee Jon Hendricks wrote only the lyrics, but it's strongly associated with him, especially the famous Lambert, Hendricks & Ross recording.
It's surprising that Adderley and Coltrane are not represented by original compositions, since that is what both saxophonists are best known for; and Coltrane's iconic standard performance would have to be Rodgers and Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things." But if some of the choices seem a bit of a stretch, there's no denying the energetic, utterly convincing arranging and playing throughout. Vocalist Paige Wroble is a particular standout, and I suspect some of the song choices were made primarily to feature her. She's pitch-perfect: never overdramatizes, and can even scat (which is also not overdone).
The entire big band's playing is sharp as a tack. And most of the arrangements come from the pens of band members, as well. The trombone section is especially well represented, with two each from Ben Patterson and Jeff Martin. A fine example of this sterling ensemble's work.
Track Listing
Ojos de Rojo; One Bass Hit; Cheek to Cheek; Footprints; Happy Talk; The Night Has a Thousand Eyes; The Thrill is Gone; Very Early; A Shade of Jade; Cloudburst; In Your Own Sweet Way.
Personnel
Brian MacDonald, trumpet; Kevin Burns, trumpet; Luke Brandon, trumpet; Tim Leahey, trumpet; Ben Patterson, trombone; Jeff Martin, trombone; Kevin Cerovich, trombone; Ben Polk, bass trombone; Tyler Kuebler, alto saxophone; Mike Cemprola, alto saxophone; Tedd Baker, tenor saxophone; Grant Langford, tenor saxophone; Doug Morgan, baritone saxophone; Steve Erickson, piano; Geoff Reecer, guitar; Cameron Kayne, bass; David McDonald, drums; Paige Wroble, vocals.
Album information
Title: Veterans of Jazz | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: United States Air Force Band Recordings