WIDE WALE CHORDS…Russ Anixter’s Hippie Big Band: What Is?

Band leader Russ Anixter digs into the rock sounds of the Baby Boomers for a hoot of an album that mixes big band jazz charts with the Age of Aquarius. The eleven piece band (along with some guests) have a hoot of a time giving lava lamp renditions of piece such a rollicking read of Tower of Power’s “What Is Hip” all the way to a double timed white knuckler ride of “Green  Hornet”. The Beatles’ “She Said, She Said” has some rich horns and features Matt Owen’s swinging trumpet, while Matt Hong has his bass clarinet lead into a hot guitar solo by Oz Noy” on ”Uncle John’s B and. Even The Allman Brothers get into the act, with the sax section swaying to “Whipping Post” and Van Morison’s “Into The Mystic” is well served by Dan Levine’s trombone. The rhythm section chicka-booms to “Dixie Chicken” and the woodwinds glide through “Free Man In Paris/Freedom Jazz Dance”. Have a Happy Day!

www.russanixter.com

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