Showing posts with label Allan Vaché. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allan Vaché. Show all posts

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Allan Vaché, Antti Sarpila, Ken Peplowski - Summit Meeting


Size: 181,3 MB
Time: 78:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1995
Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Art: Front

1. Original Dixieland One Step (6:29)
2. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry (3:29)
3. Air Mail Special (4:50)
4. These Foolish Things (4:15)
5. Cherry (9:53)
6. Royal Garden Blues (5:25)
7. You'll Always Be Mine (3:09)
8. Nuages (3:23)
9. A Shanty In Old Shanty Town (4:48)
10. Yellow Dog Blues (5:30)
11. Who's Sorry Now (8:05)
12. I've Started All Over Again (4:48)
13. Blues # 3 (7:57)
14. Bye Bye Blues (6:41)

The day before this CD was made, clarinetists Allan Vache and Antti Sarpila recorded the enjoyable Swing Is Here in Hamburg, Germany. Ken Peplowski, himself a notable clarinetist, was in town and was hoping to sit in, so another session was arranged for the following day. Pianist Mark Shane, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Joe Ascione keep the proceedings moving while the three clarinetists play many heated passages. Sarpila doubles on soprano, while Peplowski contributes some tenor, but it is when all three are matching wits on clarinet that this set approaches the classic level. Highlights of the Dixieland/swing material include "Original Dixieland One Step," "Air Mail Special," "Royal Garden Blues" and "Bye Bye Blues." A clarinet fanatic's dream.~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/summit-meeting-mw0000066372

Personnel: Allan Vache (clarinet); Antti Sarpila (soprano saxophone, clarinet); Ken Peplowski (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Mark Shane (piano); Len Skeat (bass); Joe Ascione (drums)

Summit Meeting

Friday, June 29, 2018

Allan Vaché - High Speed Swing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:07
Size: 80.4 MB
Styles: Swing, Clarinet jazz
Year: 1984/2016
Art: Front

[4:51] 1. Swing '39
[2:01] 2. If I Could Be With You
[4:20] 3. Emily
[3:09] 4. I've Started All Over Again
[2:37] 5. China Boy
[3:54] 6. Secret Love
[5:09] 7. I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You
[1:41] 8. Gone With The Wind
[3:13] 9. Moonlight On The Ganges
[4:08] 10. Goodbye

Bass – Jack Wyatt; Clarinet, Leader – Allan Vaché; Drums – Kevin Hess; Guitar – Howard Elkins; Piano – John Sheridan. Recorded February 12, 1984 at Bob Bruce's United Audio Recording, San Antonio Tx.

When Allan Vaché plays swing on his clarinet, the smooth sounds invite comparisons to a young Benny Goodman, which isn't surprising since the King of Swing was one of Vaché's chief influences. Vaché can be downright blistering as well as warm and inviting and his graceful playing makes even complicated pieces seem easy. Critics also compare him to jazz clarinetist Peanuts Hucko.

Vaché evinced an early aptitude for music, which he pursued while at college during the 1970s. He became a student of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra's David Dworkin. He also studied with traditional jazz clarinetist Kenny Davern. Early on he performed professionally with a number of noted musicians, among them Lionel Hampton, Bobby Hackett, Gene Krupa, Pee Wee Erwin, Clark Terry, Dick Hyman, Dick Wellstood, Max Kaminsky, Bob Wilber, Cliff Leeman, and Wild Bill Davison. He also often played with his brother, flügelhorn and cornet player Warren Vaché Jr.

High Speed Swing mc
High Speed Swing zippy

Friday, April 6, 2018

Allan Vache - It Might As Well Be Swing

Size: 137,6 MB
Time: 59:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. It Might As Well Be Spring ( 5:43)
02. Poor Butterfly ( 3:53)
03. Time After Time ( 7:14)
04. Cheek To Cheek (11:13)
05. Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me ( 5:24)
06. Air Mail Special ( 4:48)
07. You Took Advantage Of Me ( 5:46)
08. Meditation ( 7:14)
09. Out Of Nowhere ( 4:15)
10. There Is No Greater Love ( 3:44)

Personnel:
Allan Vache - clarinet
Mark McKee - piano
Charlie Silva - bass
Walt Hubbard - drums

Guests:
Vanessa Vache - clarinet and bass clarinet
Erin Davis-Guiles - clarinet

Jazz clarinetist Allan Vache swing .... on twelve jazz standards.

Allan Vache is joined by Mark McKee on piano, Charlie Silva on bass, Walt Hubbard on drums. Also performing are Vanessa Vache on bass clarinet and Erin Davis-Guiles on clarinet.

Another one of those lovely, timeless sets from Arbors, this one finds the clarinetist working out on a set of swingers where the newest tune is from 1960 and the label's usual suspects are no where in evidence. With nothing hoary about any of these chestnuts, this is how sophisticated listening is supposed to sound no matter when the tunes are pulled from. Classy listening for classy ears, this is smart side of what listening like a grown up sounds like. ~Chris Spector Editor and Publisher --Midwest Record

It Might As Well Be Swing

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Allan Vaché - Look To The Sky

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:04
Size: 154,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:24)  1. For Once In My Life
(4:26)  2. Didn't We
(5:01)  3. Samba De Orfeu
(4:33)  4. Long Ago And Far Away
(5:18)  5. My Shining Hour
(4:44)  6. Moanin' Low
(4:22)  7. So Many Stars
(4:46)  8. Bye, Bye, Blues
(5:43)  9. Blues For Kenny
(4:54) 10. Someone To Light Up My Life
(3:32) 11. Our Love Is Here To Stay
(4:05) 12. Alfie
(5:41) 13. Comes Love
(4:30) 14. Look To The Sky

Since leaving the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, Allan Vaché has thrived in his solo career, leading a number of record dates. These sessions are a bit of a change, in that the clarinetist doesn't stick exclusively to standards and jazz compositions, while several tracks add an orchestra (combining a horn quintet with a string quartet). The core band includes pianist Jeff Phillips, guitarist Bob Leary, bassist Charlie Silva, and drummer Ed Metz. Vaché leads the band through breezy arrangements of "For Once in My Life" and "Bye, Bye, Blues," with the musicians displaying an energy that gives it the feeling of a performance at a jazz party instead of in the studio. Vaché's "Blues for Kenny," a tribute to the late clarinetist Kenny Davern, is an infectious New Orleans-flavored number with the leader's wife Vanessa adding harmony on bass clarinet, along with a delicious understated solo. 

The orchestra is included on six selections, among them a dreamy take of the 1960s pop song "Didn't We" and a richly textured rendition of "Alfie" (long a favorite of jazz musicians). There are also several Brazilian songs, including the brisk, infectious interpretation of "Someone to Light Up My Life" and the lush "So Many Stars." Vocalist Tammy Georgine is added for a sensitive treatment of "Moanin' Low" and a gently swinging "Our Love Is Here to Stay." This diverse outing is among Allan Vaché's finest efforts. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/look-to-the-sky-mw0002040959

Personnel: Allan Vaché (clarinet); Tammy Georgine (vocals); Bob Leary (guitar); Laura Leary, Lisa Ferrigno (violin); Shelley Mathews (viola); Norma Huff (cello); Nicole Scott (flute); Vanessa Vaché (clarinet, bass clarinet); Joanne Pherigo (oboe); Lisa Waite (bassoon); David Atchison (French horn); Jeff Phillips (piano); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Look To The Sky

Friday, April 14, 2017

Allan Vache, Mark Shane, Terry Blaine - Classic Jazz Duets

Size: 155,8 MB
Time: 66:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Funk, Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. How It's Done (4:41)
02. Together (7:26)
03. Show Ur Id (4:42)
04. Age (5:52)
05. Sincerity (5:54)
06. After Tonight (4:10)
07. Out Of Time (For P) (5:15)
08. What U Do (When The Music Hits) (4:30)
09. Promises (3:20)
10. L.O.V.E. Intro (2:49)
11. Hold Up (3:40)
12. So Close (4:24)
13. D.I.S.C.O (4:08)
14. L.O.V.E. Outro (1:27)
15. I Cannot Believe (4:10)

Sweet Jazz Recordings is proud to have world class clarinetist Allan Vache on the roster. Joining Allan is pianist extraordinaire Mark Shane and top jazz vocalist Terry Blaine.

Allan Vaché, born December 16, 1953, grew up in Rahway, New Jersey where he attended school and graduated Rahway High School in 1971. He grew up in a musical family, with a father (Warren Vaché Sr.), a renowned bass player and with a brother (Warren Vaché, Jr.) who is well known for his expertise on cornet and flugelhorn. Allan not surprisingly took to music early and while at Jersey City State College from 1971-1975, studied with David Dworkin of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra as well as independently studying with the famous jazz artist, Kenny Davern.
During that same period Allan also performed many professional engagements with such jazz greats as: Bobby Hackett, Wild Bill Davison, Pee Wee Erwin, Gene Krupa, Dick Hyman, Max Kaminsky, Clark Terry, Dick Wellstood, Ed Hubble, Cliff Leeman, Bob Haggart, Jack Lesberg, Lionel Hampton, Bob Wilber and many others. He also made numerous appearances with his brother Warren Vaché, Jr.
In 1974-1975 Allan appeared in an on stage band in the Broadway musical "Doctor Jazz" at the Winter Garden theater, starring Bobby Van and Lola Falana for which Luther Henderson and Dick Hyman wrote instrumental arrangements.

In late 1975 Allan joined "The Jim Cullum Jazz Band" of San Antonio Texas, formerly "The Happy Jazz Band." With this organization, Allan has appeared numerous times on the Public Radio Series "Riverwalk, Live from the Landing" The band traveled extensively to Europe, Australia and Mexico, as well as making many festival appearances throughout the United States. Allan recorded nine albums and compact discs with this band, including the only jazz CD of the entire score of "Porgy and Bess", released on CBS Masterworks records. Vaché and the band also made many concert appearances of "Porgy and Bess" , many featuring opera great William Warfield as narrator, throughout the Western Hemisphere and including The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and "The Cervantino Arts Festival" in Mexico City, for the U.S. State Department.

Allan has appeared in several "World Series of Jazz" concerts in San Antonio. These concerts featured the "Cullum" band alongside such jazz luminaries as Benny Goodman, Pete Fountain, Joe Venuti, Teddy Wilson, Scott Hamilton, Bob Wilber, and many others. Allan appeared with Jim Cullum at Carnegie Hall at the "Tribute to Turk Murphy" concert in January 1987. He has also performed with Cullum on the CBS Morning News, and PBS television show "Austin City Limits." He also performed on NPR’s "A Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor, and was a regular performer on PRI’s "Riverwalk – Live from the Landing," from 1987-1992. This program aired on over 200 public radio stations in the U.S. and abroad. Many of these shows are still rebroadcast today. In the summer of 1992 Allan left San Antonio to pursue a free lance career. Since that time he has appeared as a solo performer at several jazz festivals and parties around the country and abroad. He has appeared with pop performers Bonnie Rait and Leon Redbone and can be heard on the soundtrack of the 1998 film “The Newton Boys”.

In 1993 he moved to Orlando, Florida to perform at various Orlando attractions including Walt Disney World and Church Street Station. Vache has numerous recordings to his credit, several under his own name, for various labels. These include Audiophile, Jazzology, Arbors, and Nagel-Heyer, of Hamburg, Germany. Vache has presently recorded twelve CDs for this label, six of these as the leader. His latest CD “Ballads, Burners & Blues”, released in March of 2004 for the Arbors label, includes his wife, Vanessa Vache’, on clarinet, as a special guest. In March 2006 he recorded a tribute to Benny Goodman for Arbors entitled “With Benny in Mind” to be released early in 2007.
Having toured in Germany, Austria, England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Poland and Switzerland, Allan continues to work as a freelance artist in the Orlando area as well as appearing at many concerts and festivals in the U.S. and around the world.

Mark Shane’s jazz piano is firmly rooted in the swinging tradition of jazz piano masters James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Earl Hines and Art Tatum. Shane was house pianist in New York’s “Eddie Condon’s” jazz club and has played with Benny Goodman and many all star alumni from the great bands of Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.

Mark Shane has been featured on radio and television jazz special broadcasts and has appeared as a featured soloist at major jazz festivals worldwide. Shane has toured for Columbia Artists and with the Smithsonian Jazz Repertory Ensemble. Featured in the 50th anniversary Benny Goodman memorial concert in Carnegie Hall, Shane has also played jazz piano for the Twyla Tharp Dance Company as well as for the Grammy Award-winning soundtrack, “The Cotton Club” as well as other films.

For Carnegie Hall’s 100th Anniversary celebration, Shane accompanied hosts Beverly Sills and Barbara Walters. Mark Shane has played a royal command performance of Duke Ellington’s “The Queen’s Suite” for HRH Princess Anne in London’s Festival Hall.

Shane is particularly noted for his Fats Waller program, “Fats Lives!!!”, a swinging piano and vocal tour de force which has been featured with many of New York’s popular dance orchestras and at jazz festivals world wide. Mark Shane has played for society and debutante cotillions throughout the United States, for Presidential Inaugural Balls in Washington, DC, and for the Mayor of New York City at Gracie Mansion. Shane has also played private parties for Mikhail Gorbachev, Henry Kissinger, Estee Lauder, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and for openings and fund raising events at major libraries, museums and cultural centers throughout the United States. Shane is regularly featured at Lincoln Center’s “Midsummer Nights’ Swing” concerts.

Named to the Steinway international roster of piano artists, Mark Shane has been called
“...one of the great accompanists of his time…” (Mississippi Rag). Shane’s piano, featured on many recordings, reflects a true sense of living jazz history and continues the tradition of deep swing and lyrical melodic improvisation. Mark Shane plays Classic Jazz Piano, America’s unique musical contribution to world culture.

Jazz vocalist Terry Blaine was born in NYC, and has been singing virtually all of her life. Embracing both pop and classical styles, it was not until after she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Buffalo with a BA in Music that she chose to trade in her flute for a microphone. As a singer and musician, she has enjoyed a multi-faceted career that includes live performances, recordings, studio work, television and radio shows, musical composition, songwriting and production. Her unique interpretations of classic jazz standards have brought her international attention and recognition as one of the few contemporary female jazz singers performing the hot small-band swing material from the 1930s.

Forging a fresh link in the regal chain that recalls the tradition of Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters, and others, Terry's style of singing is a gentle, swinging reminder of who we were and where we came from, instilled with a spirit that only genuine affection can inspire. Her collaboration with classic jazz pianist Mark Shane, which began with a three-and-a-half year duo engagement at Café Society in Greenwich Village, led to the CD "Whose Honey Are You," a Jazz Journal International Record of the Year. With support from enthusiastic fans and radio stations all around the country, a pair of sold-out, breakthrough concerts launched the duo into the larger world of concert appearances and touring. A second CD, "Terry Blaine in Concert," was released. Terry & Mark have since performed at prestigious venues such as Michael's Pub, Fat Tuesday's, the Plaza Hotel, the Lakeland Jazz Festival, JVC New Jersey Jazz Festival, Artown Celebration in Reno, NV, Colorado Jazz Party, Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, WI, Sarasota Opera House in Florida, the Norris Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee.

Classic Jazz Duets

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Allan Vaché - One For My Baby

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:47
Size: 143.7 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Shiny Stockings
[6:37] 2. If She Walked Into My Life
[5:38] 3. Just Friends
[4:44] 4. Autumn In New York
[4:12] 5. It's You Or No One
[5:52] 6. Lover Man
[3:20] 7. Drum Boogie
[5:48] 8. I'm All Better Now
[4:34] 9. Night In Tunisia
[5:53] 10. Willow Weep For Me
[4:38] 11. My Kind Of Town
[6:43] 12. One For My Baby

Allen Vache (cl, leader); John Sheridan (p); Howard Elkins (g); Jack Wyatt (sb, v).

Allan Vache remains a very underrated jazz clarinetist. This cd with John Sheridan on piano is a very good listen. The selection of songs is superb and the melodies are never lost. A gem. ~Frank G. Santy

One For My Baby

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Warren Vaché, Allan Vaché - Mrs. Vaché's Boys

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:49
Size: 175.9 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[5:21] 1. Just Friends
[7:40] 2. Tangerine
[5:44] 3. London By Night
[7:18] 4. I'll Remember April
[6:57] 5. All Blues
[8:02] 6. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
[5:11] 7. The Eel's Nephew
[6:07] 8. Falando De Orlando
[7:56] 9. Cotton Tail
[3:38] 10. Danny Boy
[5:53] 11. If Dreams Come True
[6:56] 12. What Am I Here For

Bass – Phil Flanigan; Clarinet – Allan Vaché; Cornet, Flugelhorn – Warren Vaché; Drums – Ed Metz Jr.; Guitar – Howard Alden; Piano – Eddie Higgins. Recorded 19-20 Feb, 1998 in Orlando, FL.

Profuse thanks are given to mom Madeline, who worked at Decca Records when she met Warren Sr., then insisted her boys practice daily. The result is this recording, played by two of the best baby boomers in the swing jazz business. Warren Jr.'s cornet musings have never been livelier or more clearly executed, while Allan Vaché, truly an underrated clarinetist, shines with the best of the current crop. Guitarist Howard Alden, the great pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Phil Flanigan, and drummer Ed Metz, Jr. round out the excellent backup band. Some of the 12 tunes have the full sextet. Warren plays flügelhorn with Higgins only for the pristine "London by Night," and it's just Higgins, Flanigan, and Metz for the Benny Goodman evergreen "If Dreams Come True," Higgins quoting "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me." Dig Warren, Alden, and Flanigan, and Alden especially plucky solo during Bud Freeman's "The Eel's Nephew," while Allan and Alden go it by themselves on the serene "Londonderry Air" aka "Danny Boy." There are three Duke Ellington tunes; "Just Squeeze Me" with Warren's fresh-squeezed wah-wah cornet, Higgins quoting "Music, Music, Music," a bass guitar workout introducing the well-swung "Cottontail," Higgins quoting "We're in the Money," and the joyful guitar-clarinet-cornet unison melody of "What Am I Here For?" There's a fresh take on Miles Davis' "All Blues," changing up the harmonics of the waltz, Higgins shimmering piano, and Warren's muted, Miles-evoked sound accenting. A bossa version of "Tangerine" is quite different, Alden's fat chords and cat-quick lines form the centerpiece. For evidence of Allan's clarinet mastery check out his upbeat take on "I'll Remember April," Higgins quoting "Jeannine," while the out-and-out swinger "Just Friends" is staggering in its counterpointed trading of lines between brothers, quite deserving of a huge wow! It's unlikely you'll hear a hotter band than this one for this type of authentic, traditional jazz. Never stuffy, always on top of every fresh bar, with no looking back to past glories despite the older repertoire, the Vache brothers conjure something extra special within their musical partnership. Highly recommended. ~Michael G. Nastos

Mrs. Vaché's Boys

Friday, December 9, 2016

The Jim Cullum Jazz Band - Honky Tonk Train: The Boogie Woogie Craze

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:19
Size: 112.9 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[5:10] 1. Narrative New Orleans Hop Scop Blues
[4:47] 2. Jungle Blues
[3:19] 3. Pinetop's Boogie Woogie
[2:13] 4. Narrative
[5:26] 5. Jammin' The Boogie
[4:03] 6. Honky Tonk Train
[3:58] 7. Riverwalk Blues
[5:01] 8. Celestial Express
[3:50] 9. Interview
[4:42] 10. Roll 'em
[3:26] 11. Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar
[3:17] 12. Boogie Woogie On St. Louis Blues

This entry in the valuable series of Jim Cullum radio broadcasts ("Riverwalk, Live from the Landing") focuses on the history of boogie-woogie. There is some narration, with excerpts from some historical recordings and lots of exciting piano from Dick Hyman and John Sheridan. Cullum's hot jazz band (a septet with the cornetist/leader, Sheridan, clarinetist Allan Vache and trombonist Mike Pittsley) has several romps, including "Jammin' the Boogie," "Roll 'Em" and "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar." Most intriguing is "Celestial Express," in which Hyman switches to celeste and is joined in a quartet by Vache, guitarist Howard Elkins and bassist Don Mopsick. Fun music that is easily recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Honky Tonk Train: The Boogie Woogie Craze

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Ed Polcer All-Stars - Jammin' A La Condon

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:59
Size: 162.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. California, Here I Come
[6:47] 2. Condon Medley At Sundown Big Butter And Egg Man Back In Your Own ..
[4:01] 3. Jubilee
[5:22] 4. Somebody Stole My Gal
[5:47] 5. Home
[7:04] 6. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
[4:33] 7. On The Alamo
[4:56] 8. Bye Bye Blues
[3:10] 9. Can't We Be Friends
[8:02] 10. Linger Awhile
[6:47] 11. Wild Bill Medley Blue Again The Vanderbilt Confessin I Can't ..
[8:30] 12. Wolverine Blues

With Tom Saunders, Bob Havens, Bill Allred, Ken Peplowski, Allan Vache, Mark Shane, Marty Grosz, Greg Cohen, Joe Ascione.

During the past several years, Ed Polcer has become one of the most sought after performers on the jazz festival circuit. He has appeared in hundreds of concerts, festivals and jazz parties throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, including numerous return appearances at the Newport/Kool/JVC Festival in New York. Ed's musical versatility and leadership have earned him a reputation as a dynamic bandleader, and he is often called upon to organize festivals, concerts, dances and parties.

Ed joined Benny Goodman's Sextet for an American tour in 1973. An expert showman, Ed has led numerous concerts with varied themes, including his extensive U.S. tours for Columbia Artists. In 1992, '93 and '94." A Night At Eddie Condon's", transported the audience back to the famous nightclub and gave a musical retrospective of American jazz over the last 100 years.

Jammin' A La Condon

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Terry Blaine, Mark Shane, Allan Vache - Swingin' The Benny Goodman Songbook

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:35
Size: 150.1 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:09] 1. After You've Gone
[4:11] 2. You Turned The Tables On Me
[3:17] 3. I Don't Know Why
[3:21] 4. Junk Man
[4:30] 5. Body And Soul
[3:08] 6. Would You Like To Take A Walk
[3:53] 7. Sweet Lelilani
[4:00] 8. More Than You Know
[3:06] 9. Miss Brown To You
[5:01] 10. I Wished On The Moon-Moonglow
[3:57] 11. Memories Of You
[2:48] 12. Lulu's Back In Town
[3:58] 13. Low Down
[4:50] 14. Time On My Hands
[3:37] 15. You Can't Stop Me From Loving You
[4:12] 16. Goodbye
[4:26] 17. On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Singer Terry Blaine, pianist Mark Shane, and clarinetist Allan Vaché had performed as a trio for several years at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee before they decided to tour as a trio and perform music from the repertoire of Benny Goodman. It was a logical move for Vaché can closely emulate Goodman, Shane's main piano influence is Teddy Wilson, and Blaine is flexible enough to hint at Helen Ward, Martha Tilton, and Mildred Bailey while still sounding like herself. While most of these songs are familiar items played by Goodman regularly sometime during 1935-1939, there are a few ringers such as "I Don't Know Why," "Junk Man" (which Goodman recorded with Mildred Bailey in 1934), "Would You Like to Take a Walk," "Cause if Feel Lowdown," and "You Can't Stop Me From Loving You" plus a couple numbers that Goodman recorded with Billie Holiday. While most of the selections are taken as trios, "Sweet Leilani" and "Time on My Hands" are played as instrumentals and Vaché sits out on the duo rendition of "Cause I Feel Low Down." The music overall is quite delightful and would have been enjoyed by the King of Swing. This is one of Terry Blaine's finest recordings to date although all are quite worthwhile. ~Scott Yanow

Swingin' The Benny Goodman Songbook

Monday, November 2, 2015

Allan Vaché's Florida Jazz Allstars - Allan Vache's Florida Jazz Allstars

Styles: Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:00
Size: 160,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:39)  1. Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland
(5:00)  2. Spain
(7:12)  3. My Inspiration
(6:44)  4. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
(5:00)  5. Krazy Kapers
(4:47)  6. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
(6:33)  7. Breezin' Along With the Breeze
(6:09)  8. South Rampart Street Parade
(3:49)  9. What's New?
(5:18) 10. Jubilee
(5:36) 11. Poor Butterfly
(5:07) 12. Sleep

This interesting Dixieland-oriented set features a septet of fine players who at the time were based in Florida. Clarinetist Allan Vache, trombonist John Allred, pianist Johnny Varro and ageless bassist Bob Haggart are quite well-known in trad circles, while drummer Ed Metz, Jr. has a growing reputation. Guitarist Bob Leary (who takes two vocals) sounds fine, but it is the up-and-coming cornetist David Jones who is the main discovery of this CD. The musicians all have chances to shine, and among the many high points of the easily enjoyable set are "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland," "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" and "Jubilee." ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/florida-jazz-allstars-mw0000046946

Personnel: Allan Vaché (clarinet); Bob Leary (guitar); David Jones (cornet); John Allred (trombone); Johnny Varro (piano); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Allan Vache's Florida Jazz Allstars

Friday, October 9, 2015

Allan Vache & Harry Allen - Allan Allen

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:52
Size: 157.7 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz, Swing
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[6:19] 1. Lover, Come Back To Me
[5:28] 2. Jive At Five
[5:18] 3. Lake Ponchartrain Blues
[4:27] 4. Allan And Allen
[4:39] 5. Where Are You
[4:05] 6. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry
[3:28] 7. Straighten Up And Fly Right
[4:56] 8. You Go To My Head
[5:51] 9. Tickle Toe
[6:34] 10. Corcovado (Quiet Nights)
[6:11] 11. Ben's Blues
[6:42] 12. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
[4:47] 13. Stealin' Apples

This studio session featuring clarinetist Allan Vache and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen together was a long overdue idea, since they had worked together frequently at jazz festivals and parties; they're joined by a first-class rhythm section of pianist Eddie Higgins, bassist Phil Flanigan, and drummer Eddie Metz. Most of the material consists of familiar standards from the swing era, including the easygoing "Jive at Five," a snappy "Tickle Toe," and a laid-back "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me." Flanigan contributed the lively swinger "Allan and Allen," while Higgins wrote the pretty ballad "Lake Ponchartrain Blues." There are also separate features for the two reedmen: Vache's lush, lyrical interpretation of "You Go to My Head" is matched by Allen's gorgeous take of the infrequently heard ballad "Where Are You." Vache also adds a campy (though not exactly memorable) vocal on "Straighten up and Fly Right." This is one of many memorable recordings that has helped to elevate Nagel Heyer into one of the top labels covering mainstream jazz at the beginning of the 21st century. ~Ken Dryden

Allan Allen

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Warren Vaché, Allan Vaché - Remember

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:48
Size: 175.8 MB
Styles: Straight ahead jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[5:21] 1. Just Friends
[7:39] 2. Tangerine
[5:44] 3. London By Night
[7:18] 4. I'll Remember April
[6:57] 5. All Blues
[8:02] 6. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
[5:10] 7. The Eel's Nephew
[6:07] 8. Falando De Orlando
[7:56] 9. Cotton Tail
[3:38] 10. Danny Boy
[5:53] 11. If Dreams Come True
[6:56] 12. What Am I Here For

The Vaché brothers, cornetist Warren and clarinetist Allan, grew up in New Jersey in a hotbed of revivalist trad jazz. Their father, Warren Vaché Sr., was a bassist and writer-editor (a bio of Pee Wee Erwin, the early Chicago-style trumpeter, and editor of Jersey Jazz, a newsletter) and one of the Jersey neo-traditionalists who helped kick-off revivals with the annual Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp. But while the brothers were steeped in trad jazz—an experience that has given them a deep appreciation of melodic improvisation—and Allan spent long periods working in trad bands in San Antonio and Orlando, this 1998 date is no trad jazz showcase. Reflecting the eclectic interests of the two brothers, especially Warren, it's a swinging mainstream outing with both timeless and modern touches. Joining the Vachés are the extremely versatile cohorts like Howard Alden (guitar), Eddie Higgins (piano), Phil Flanigan (bass) and Ed Metz Jr. (drums).

"Just Friends," a tune associated with bebop and modernists, is given a muscular workout, centered on the two brothers trading increasingly shorter leads and then engaging in a spirited tangle of simultaneous soloing, Alden joining them in an update of New Orleans polyphony. Later, another modern classic, Miles Davis' "All Blues," is given an idiomatic, modal rendition with Harmon-muted cornet. Warren's affection for small group chamber jazz is realized on a lovely duet for piano and flugelhorn on "London by Night" and a romp through Bud Freeman's "The Eel's Nephew" for cornet, guitar and bass. Allan's alternately bright and woody tone and clear articulation make his feature with the rhythm section, a fast "I'll Remember April," memorably swinging.

But the album's most significant tracks are three pieces of circa 1940 Ellingtonia: "Just Squeeze Me" is jaunty and insinuating, with wah-wah muted cornet and spunky clarinet; "Cottontail," beginning niftily with Ben Webster's orchestrated solo by guitar and bass, is a buoyant romp and "What Am I Here For?," invigorated by stop-time breaks and dropouts like clarinet solo with just bass or introductory melody chorus from just rhythm section is refreshingly appealing, timeless Ellington. ~George Kanzler

Remember

Friday, February 27, 2015

Allan Vaché & Jim Galloway - Raisin' The Roof

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:12
Size: 147,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:56)  1. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
(3:28)  2. Cakewalkin' Babies From Home
(9:03)  3. Dream
(4:00)  4. Raisin' The Roof
(4:25)  5. Oh, Sister, Ain't That Hot
(3:49)  6. The Very Thought Of You
(4:39)  7. Lullaby In Rhythm
(4:27)  8. Hymn To Freedom
(4:40)  9. San
(4:31) 10. Si Tu Vois Ma Mere
(3:22) 11. Shag
(9:45) 12. Make Me A Pallet On The Floor

Trad jazz lovers are going to be quite pleased with the combination of American clarinetist Vache and Scottish-born, longtime resident of Canada, soprano saxophonist Galloway. It's like having two Sidney Bechets, or a comparable Bob Wilber-Kenny Davern pair in the house, swinging until they've exhausted the possibilities. Pianist John Bunch, bassist Michael Moore, guitarist Howard Alden, and drummer Jake Hanna make the ultimate rhythmic team behind Vache and Galloway they can do no wrong. Of the 12 standard selections, two are from Bechet's book: The emotionally introspective "Si Tu Vois Ma Mere" gives sway to the clearly defined clarinet-soprano amalgam, but also gives solo space to Bunch and especially to the daunting Moore; "Shag" is a rousing swinger that lets the band cut loose without hesitation. 

There's a nod of the fedora to Benny Goodman with considerable interplay, and more evidence to the compatibility of the horns on the delightful "Lullaby in Rhythm." Jimmy Noone is feted on the uptempo swing battle "Oh Sister, Ain't That Hot," while "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" has been, and remains, the ideal Dixie-to-swing jam vehicle that sounds like the combatants are merely getting warmed to the task, though they start out in fourth gear. Of the older material is the early '20s swinger "San" done with the energy of today, featuring a counterpointed joust where Galloway wins out with the last word. "Cakewalking Babies From Home" (c. 1925) is a barnburner as Vache and Galloway alone set the tune ablaze. The quaint title cut, penned in 1929, is one of five arrangements on the date by Randy Sandke, with Alden loading up his plate during his solo and the reeds sharing sonic space. 

The listener can't help but think of Donovan's "I Love My Shirt" when listening to this. The most contemporary number is Oscar Peterson's gospel-flavored feature for Vache "Hymn to Freedom," while Galloway gets sole spotlight during the ballad "The Very Thought of You." At their most conversational, Vache and Galloway trade melody snippets back and forth for Johnny Mercer's  "Dream," while the band collectively stretches out over nearly ten minutes on a loping, languid take of "Make Me a Pallet on the Floor." Modern recordings of early period jazz can be overly nostalgic, but the spirit of Vache and Galloway transcends everything. Great music made by great musicians equals a must-buy for fans of this alive-and-well style. ~ Michael G.Nastos  http://www.allmusic.com/album/raisin-the-roof-mw0000604398

Personnel: Allan Vache (clarinet); Jim Galloway (soprano saxophone); John Bunch (piano); Howard Alden (guitar); Michael Moore (bass); Jake Hanna (drums).

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Allan Vache - Breezy

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 69:21
Size: 158.8 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[8:34] 1. Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland
[4:57] 2. Spain
[7:09] 3. My Inspiration
[6:39] 4. My Honey's Lovin' Arms
[4:56] 5. Krazy Kapers
[4:44] 6. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[6:29] 7. Breezin' Along With The Breeze
[6:05] 8. South Rampart Street Parade
[3:47] 9. What's New
[5:16] 10. Jubilee
[5:32] 11. Poor Butterfly
[5:07] 12. Sleep

Featuring Allan Vache, David Jones, John Allred, Johnny Varro, Bob Haggart and Ed Metz Jr.

When Allan Vaché plays swing on his clarinet, the smooth sounds invite comparisons to a young Benny Goodman, which isn't surprising since the King of Swing was one of Vaché's chief influences. Vaché can be downright blistering as well as warm and inviting and his graceful playing makes even complicated pieces seem easy. Critics also compare him to jazz clarinetist Peanuts Hucko.

Vaché evinced an early aptitude for music, which he pursued while at college during the 1970s. He became a student of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra's David Dworkin. He also studied with traditional jazz clarinetist Kenny Davern. Early on he performed professionally with a number of noted musicians, among them Lionel Hampton, Bobby Hackett, Gene Krupa, Pee Wee Erwin, Clark Terry, Dick Hyman, Dick Wellstood, Max Kaminsky, Bob Wilber, Cliff Leeman, and Wild Bill Davison. He also often played with his brother, flügelhorn and cornet player Warren Vaché Jr. In 1974, he hit Broadway in a production of Doctor Jazz.

By 1975, Vaché was a member of the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, which was based in San Antonio, TX. He appeared on nine of the group's albums, among them the CBS Masterworks recording of Porgy and Bess. Playing portions of that score, Vaché and the group took to the stages of Mexico City's Cervantino Arts Festival, Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center, and other stops. Vaché performed a number of times at San Antonio's World Series of Jazz with Cullum's band, a venue that also hosted jazz luminaries such as Goodman. In 1987, he and the group played Carnegie Hall.

Vaché's other appearances included A Prairie Home Companion and Riverwalk, Live From the Landing on radio and television's Austin City Limits. The clarinetist branched out into films in 1998 when two numbers that he played were featured in The Newton Boys. Both songs came from the Shootin' the Agate album released by the Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

Vaché left the band to perform solo during the early '90s. In 1993, he relocated to Orlando, FL, where he appeared at Rosie O'Grady's and Walt Disney World, among other venues. He has recorded for Arbors Records, Audiophile, and Jazzology, both as a solo artist and in conjunction with others. He put out a dozen albums for the German label Nagel-Heyer, half of which saw him in the role of leader with bands that include the Florida All-Stars, Swingtet, and the Big Four. ~bio by Linda Seida

Breezy

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Allan Vache Sextette - Swing And Other Things

Size: 155,4 MB
Time: 66:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Jazz Instrument, Swing, Clarinet
Art: Front

01. June Night (5:04)
02. Nancy With The Laughing Face (4:03)
03. Topsy (4:23)
04. Just One Of Those Things (5:11)
05. Indian Summer (4:58)
06. Rachel's Dream (3:35)
07. Autumn Leaves (5:11)
08. Limehouse Blues (5:49)
09. You Turned The Tables On Me 2 (4:48)
10. Hi Ya Sophia (3:23)
11. Time After Time (5:30)
12. He Loves And She Loves (5:05)
13. Cheek To Cheek (9:26)

Allan Vache, best known for his longtime association with Jim Cullum, is a fiery, chance-taking clarinetist whose main influence is Benny Goodman. The BG connection is felt even stronger than usual on this CD due to the instrumentation (the same as the first Benny Goodman Sextet), the 1940s-era standards, and the playing of the sidemen. Pianist Johnny Varro has long kept Teddy Wilson's sound alive, vibraphonist John Cocuzzi recalls both Lionel Hampton and Red Norvo, and brother/cornetist Warren Vache makes a welcome guest appearance on "Cheek to Cheek"; it is a pity that he is not on more selections. Although a touch derivative, Allan Vache is heard in top form throughout the enjoyable set, and such rarely performed numbers as "June Night," "Rachel's Dream" and Mel Powell's "Hi Ya, Sophia" are among the highlights. ~ Scott Yanow

Recording information: Edison Studios, New York, NY (06/11/1996). Arrangers: John Sheridan; Johnny Varro.

Personnel: Allan Vaché (clarinet); Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Warren Vaché (cornet); Johnny Varro (piano); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Swing And Other Things

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Allan Vache - With Benny In Mind

Size: 160,2 MB
Time: 68:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Avalon (5:49)
02. Moonglow (5:29)
03. Flyin' Home (6:57)
04. Soft Winds (4:10)
05. Air Mail Special (3:29)
06. Stompin' At The Savoy (5:07)
07. Seven Come Eleven (6:57)
08. Body And Soul (4:36)
09. Slipped Disc (3:43)
10. Smo O O Oth One (4:38)
11. Nagasaki (4:29)
12. Memories Of You (4:05)
13. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (6:49)
14. Goodbye (2:16)

In a testimonial printed on the back of the CD case, Bill Hyland (executor of the Benny Goodman estate) observes that this album looks both "backward and forward in a stylistic sense." That's baloney. This album looks resolutely and unapologetically backward in a stylistic sense, straight back to the 1930s, when Benny Goodman was making his hugely influential small-ensemble recordings. And it does so beautifully, with a clarity and grace that sometimes seem to have gone entirely missing in jazz since Goodman's death. "Grace" should not be confused with "wimpiness," of course, and on this wonderful sextet date clarinetist Allan Vaché leads a group that includes some of the hottest swing players currently in the business, among them pianist John Sheridan, drummer Ed Metz, Jr. and a young vibraphonist named Christian Tamburr -- remember that name. The program is completely unsurprising and includes just about all the usual suspects: "Flyin' Home," "Body and Soul," "Airmail Special," even "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." But when Sheridan kicks in the stride technique on "Air Mail Special" or Tamburr digs in deep on "Flyin' Home," it will be as if you're hearing these hoary old classics for the first time. Well, maybe for the second time. ~Review by Rick Anderson

With Benny In Mind

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Various - Blues Of Summer

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 67:48
Size: 155.2 MB
Styles: Post bop, Straight ahead jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:29] 1. Danny Moss - Summer Blues
[7:08] 2. Allan Vaché - No Regrets (Blues For Hans)
[7:05] 3. Warren Vaché - Too Phat Blues
[7:30] 4. Buck Clayton - Black Sheep Blues
[4:57] 5. Butch Miles - Barney's Blues
[7:08] 6. Bill Allred - Dear Hans Blues
[6:01] 7. Dave Glasser - Intimacy Of The Blues
[4:14] 8. Bob Wilber - I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
[2:26] 9. Oscar Klein - Farewell Blues
[5:15] 10. Wycliffe Gordon - St. Louis Blues
[5:29] 11. Warren Vaché - Blues Times 2 (H & S)
[5:02] 12. Harry Allen Quartet - Every Day I Have The Blues

Germany-based record company, Nagel-Heyer, has pulled together some of the best from their stable of performers for a compilation built around the blues, Summer blues to be specific. These tracks were culled from albums made between February 1990 and June 1999. Nagel-Heyer has an impressive stable of stars, all of them well-steeped in the jazz and blues tradition. There's Warren Vache and Allan Vache, trumpeter/ vocalist Byron Stripling, preeminent guitarists Howard Alden and Oscar Klein among the many jazzmiesters represented here. There are also a variety of instrumental combinations that perform the music including the swing big band of the late Buck Clayton, a fortuitous combination of jazz veterans mixed with younger players. The album from which this track is taken was cut just before Clayton passed on and is one of his many legacies. His "Black Sheep Blues," which combines outstanding ensemble and solo work, is one of the album's highlights. There are also cuts featuring trios, quartets, septets and other small groups. There's excellent solo track by New Orleans swing guitarist Oscar Klein. Only two vocals are included, Pug Norton on "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues" and Warren Vache on an appropriate lament for Summer, "Too Phat Blues." Since the album is tied to Summer, depressing type blues are avoided while happy, bouncy and occasionally sultry, blues are emphasized. The only downer is the cha-cha-cha version of "St. Louis Blues" by Wycliffe Gordon and company.

All in all, this very good compilation should achieve its objective, i.e., to encourage jazz fans to buy complete albums from which these samples have been harvested. ~Dave Nathan

Blues Of Summer

Monday, May 12, 2014

Allan Vaché Big Four - Strike Two!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 66:58
Size: 153.3 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz, Swing
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[4:25] 1. That's A Plenty
[4:46] 2. Goin' South
[5:42] 3. Egyptian Fantasy
[3:27] 4. Minor Swing
[4:57] 5. When My Dreamboat Comes Home
[4:21] 6. Squeeze Me
[5:53] 7. Dinah
[4:11] 8. Love Me With A Feeling
[3:39] 9. Sweetie Dear
[3:57] 10. Doin' The New Lowdown
[4:58] 11. Wild Man Blues
[2:46] 12. Eccentric
[2:54] 13. There'll Come A Time
[5:37] 14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime
[5:19] 15. Beale Street Blues

When Allan Vaché plays swing on his clarinet, the smooth sounds invite comparisons to a young Benny Goodman, which isn't surprising since the King of Swing was one of Vaché's chief influences. Vaché can be downright blistering as well as warm and inviting and his graceful playing makes even complicated pieces seem easy. Critics also compare him to jazz clarinetist Peanuts Hucko. ~ Linda Seida

Allan Vaché (clarinet); David Jones (cornet); Bob Leary (guitar); Phil Flanigan (bass).

Recorded on July 18 & 19, 1999.

Strike Two!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Allan Vache & Friends - Ballads, Burners & Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 73:17
Size: 167.8 MB
Styles: Clarinet jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:36] 1. The Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me
[7:40] 2. It Could Happen To You
[5:31] 3. Some Of These Days
[6:44] 4. I'm Glad There Is You
[6:45] 5. The Yellow Dog Blues
[5:49] 6. Lazy Mood
[8:04] 7. Besame Mucho
[5:18] 8. It's All Right With Me
[5:49] 9. Prof's Blues
[4:08] 10. A Minor Majority
[6:22] 11. Danny Boy
[5:25] 12. Our Day Will Come

Allan Vaché has made his name as a clarinetist in the traditional New Orleans style, and if you look at the instrumentation here you'll probably expect more of the same: he leads a traditional front line consisting of clarinet, cornet (Ed Polcer), and trombone (the great Dan Barrett), and the program opens with a joyfully straight-ahead rendition of that Dixieland chestnut "The Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me." But then things get a bit twisted: a piano-and-clarinet duet setting on "I'm Glad There Is You," a shuffling R&B arrangement of W.C. Handy's "Yellow Dog Blues," a stately rendition of "Besame Mucho," and even a sprightly swing version of the 1960s pop hit "Our Day Will Come." Vaché's playing is sweet and limpid throughout; his solos are never needlessly complicated, but they're also never simplistic. The sumptuous recording quality is also worth noting. Fans of traditional jazz aren't necessarily known for adventurousness, but they should make it a point to check this one out -- this wonderful album shows that it really is possible to respect tradition and break the rules at the same time. ~ Rick Anderson

Live Recording Recorded at Lone Pine Studios, Clearwater, Florida on April 28-29, 2003.

Allan Vache (vocals, clarinet); Ed Polcer (vocals, trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Vannessa Vache (clarinet); Mark Shane (piano); Phil Flanigan (bass); Ed Metz, Jr. (drums).

Ballads, Burners & Blues