Thought you had big bands pegged? Here are three that really break down the categories.
One the top pianists of his generation, Fred Hersch steps away from his normal trio format to sit in with the WDR Big Band conducted by Vince Mendoza in order to interpret his compositions in a different environment. It’s a bit jolting to first take Hersch in this milieu, as at times he sounds confined by the arrangements (not unlike Earl Hines in his own big band), but he is dramatic on the assertive “Havana” along with tenor saxist Paul Heller” and sways to the bold New Orleans grooved “The Big Easy.” The Gil Evansy touch to “Out Someplace” and the gentle “Pastorale” are sublime highlights, with his work on “The Orb” rich and personal. Hersch works the room.
In one of the most interesting amalgamations, we get the United States Air Force Band with Colonel Don Schofield as both conductor and commander. What happens if you play a wrong note? KP duty?
Anyway, the band is hip and swinging on these 3 radio broadcasts, all with interviews with guests Cyrille Aimee, Kenny Barron and Branford Marsalis. On their own, they show muscle as on a take of Freddie Hubbard’s “Take It To The Ozone.” Aimee sounds in rich form as she lets loose on “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” Barron is warm and sophisticated on “Golden Lotus” and Marsalis pulls out his hip tenor for “Syeeda’s Song Flute.” The Air Force soars on this collection, and is worthy of a salute.
The BT ALC Big Band is an 18 member organization that is big on soul with a back beat. The saxes punch like Sonny Liston over the drums on “Soft Shoe” and with Sam Gilman’s organ, the team boogaloos to “Tune For Lou.” Funk similar to the AWB get into a disco mood for “Make It Your Job” and the percussion makes for a funky “Dance.” Grab a partner for this one and work up a sweat.