Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra - Playin' The Book!

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop, Big Band
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:55
Size: 147,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:42)  1. It Could Happen To You
(4:08)  2. Quick Step
(4:15)  3. Too Close For Comfort
(3:53)  4. Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year
(5:36)  5. Opus In Chartreuse
(3:06)  6. The Party's Over
(6:04)  7. The Meaning Of The Blues
(3:43)  8. Bijou
(2:57)  9. Spring Is Here
(4:26) 10. Jessica's Day
(4:23) 11. Little Girl Blue
(4:27) 12. Jersey Bounce
(3:15) 13. People
(3:08) 14. Walkin' Shoes
(4:08) 15. A Swinging Serenade
(3:35) 16. Summertime

You have to admire Vaughn Wiester’s sense of humor. Nowadays, labeling one’s band the “Famous Jazz Orchestra” is about as amusing a turn of phrase as can be envisioned. You have to admire Wiester’s sidemen too a group of gentlemen (and four ladies) who keep on Playin’ the Book for love, certainly not for money, at their friendly oasis, the Columbus (OH) Music Hall. Last, and perhaps most important, you have to admire how they play that book, with more proficiency and passion than one should reasonably expect from musicians who often find it hard simply to get together and rehearse (hence the title of the band’s earlier album, Sight Readin’, Baby! ). Speaking of “sight readin’,” we should point out that there are only four holdovers from that album on Playin‘ the Book  trumpeter Erik Gimbel and trombonists Matt Ellis, Bill England and Kie Watkins.

Wiester explains the band’s philosophy this way: The book the FJO plays is weighted toward the Stan Kenton, Count Basie and Woody Herman libraries of the fifties and early sixties. The big bands of [that] period had a wider dynamic and expressive range than [that] of the Swing Era bands... The sweetness and many other stylistic trappings of the earlier music were discarded and the resulting sound was more streamlined and [showed] increased variety, contrast and orchestral potential... It all adds up to a classic style that wears well to this day, some fifty years on.

Indeed it does. The music presented here was written during the period from 1935-64, with “Little Girl Blue” and “Summertime” the earliest works, “People” (from the musical Funny Girl ) the most recent.

In keeping with the album’s theme, Wiester lists next to each song its number in the book, opening smartly with #214, “It Could Happen to You,” one of three selections on which Wiester solos (the others are Ralph Burns’ classic opus for trombonist Bill Harris, “Bijou,” and Rodgers and Hart’s “Spring Is Here”). The rest of the program consists of four standards strewn among superb compositions by Bill Holman (“Quick Step”), Gene Roland (“Opus in Chartreuse”), Bobby Troup (“The Meaning of the Blues”), Quincy Jones (“Jessica’s Day”), Tiny Bradshaw / Bobby Plater (“Jersey Bounce”), Gerry Mulligan (“Walkin’ Shoes”) and Ernie Wilkins (“A Swinging Serenade”). The captain gives almost everyone on the team at least one chance to score, and no one lets him down. There are a number of engaging solos, especially by tenor saxophonist Bryan Olsheski and trumpeters Jim Powell and Ed Morrison.

The fly in the ointment, as with so many in-concert recordings, is the overall sound, which lacks balance, clarity and separation, is far more harsh and heavy than harmonious, and lends drummer Steve Schaar more prominence than is warranted. But such are the perils of live recording dates, particularly when currency is at a premium (even though, for reasons unknown, the sound on Sight Readin‘ is noticeably better). But no matter the shortcomings, we listeners should be thankful that orchestras such as Wiester’s, famous or unknown, keep on skirmishing in the trenches and lend them our unqualified support, as the alternative is too gruesome to contemplate. ~ Jack Bowers http://www.allaboutjazz.com/playin-the-book-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel:  Saxes: John Vermeulen, Tom Ryan, altos; Bryan Olsheski, Kevin O’Neill, tenors; Bob LeBeau; Trumpets: Erik Gimbel, Ed Morrison, Ansyn Banks, Jim Powell, Phil Winnard;  Trombones: Linda Landis, Matt Ellis, Ryan Hamilton, Bill England (bass trombone);  Tuba: Kie Watkins;  French horns: Natalie Adams, Heidi Wick;  Guitar: Colin Lazarski;  Bass: Tisha Simeral;  Piano: Jim Luellen;  Drums: Steve Schaar;  Guest conductor: Herb Harrison

Playin' The Book!

---

Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra - Herb's Book Feat. Herb Harrison

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop, Big Band
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:20
Size: 127,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:24)  1. Flying Home
(3:43)  2. Memories of You
(2:52)  3. Chip Off the Old Block
(3:08)  4. When You Wish Upon a Star
(2:59)  5. Give Me the Simple Life
(3:59)  6. The Touch of Your Lips
(2:50)  7. All of Me
(3:32)  8. Third Set Sarah
(3:56)  9. It's a Blue World
(3:18) 10. For You
(4:14) 11. The Cat's Meow
(4:34) 12. Like Someone in Love
(5:11) 13. Honeysuckle Rose
(7:36) 14. Bus to Nowhere

When Herb Harrison, director emeritus of Jazz Studies at Cal State University-Sacramento, retired a number of years ago and moved to his wife, Mary's, hometown of Columbus, Ohio, he never envisioned a "second career" writing for and conducting a ready-made big band. That was before he met Vaughn Wiester, whose Famous Jazz Orchestra holds forth each Monday evening at the Columbus Music Hall, and who wasn't about to let talent like Harrison's go to seed. To make a long story short, Harrison, now 82 years young, was soon contributing charts for the orchestra, many of which were recorded over a period of several years by engineer Don Loose. Herb's Book, the FJO's third album since it was formed eight years ago, is devoted entirely to Harrison's arrangements, as sight-read during those Monday evening sessions (that's right, the orchestra doesn't rehearse, usually seeing the music for the first time when the lights go down and the performance begins). 

To pull that off, a leader must have sidemen who know what they're about, and Wiester has some of the Columbus area's best, several of whom have spent time on the road with various bands, as Wiester once did with Woody Herman and others. Drummer John Von Ohlen, a mainstay with Cincinnati's celebrated Blue Wisp Big Band, sits in on the last number, "Bus to Nowhere" (based on Stan Kenton's "Artistry in Rhythm"), one of Harrison's three original compositions (the others are "Third Set Sarah" and "The Cat's Meow"). There's one more, Al Young's "Chip Off the Old Block," to complement ten jazz standards and evergreens from the Great American Songbook. Loose has sought to preserve the informal atmosphere of a live concert, recording the ensemble without amplification through a single pair of microphones located front row center in the audience, which occupies half of the room, while using minimal signal processing and no dynamic compression. The result is quite similar to what one would hear on a given Monday evening at the Columbus Music Hall.

The orchestra sight-reads Herb's Book admirably, while the various soloists do their utmost to keep things bright and interesting. Trombonist Linda Landis is featured on "When You Wish Upon a Star," tenor Brian Olsheski on "Give Me the Simple Life," trombonist Matt Ellis on "All of Me," baritone Bob LeBeau on "For You," Von Ohlen and horn player Sarah Brown on "Bus to Nowhere." A splendid introduction to Herb's Book ; we hope there are many more chapters yet to come. ~ Jack Bowers http://www.allaboutjazz.com/herbs-book-vaughn-wiester-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: (Collective) Vaughn Wiester, music director;  Herb Harrison, conductor, arranger;  John Vermeulen, Tom Ryan, Bryan Olsheski, Bob LeBeau, Michael Cox, Michael Wyatt, Meilana Gillard, Art Silva, reeds;  Erik Gimbel, Larry Everhart, Jim Powell, Bob Larson, Phil Winnard, Ansyn Banks, Brian West, Ben Huntoon, Tim Perdue, trumpet; Linda Landis, Matt Ellis, John Hall, Bill England, Kie Watkins, Ryan Hamilton, Jessica Leach, Matt Benson, trombone; Jim Luellen, piano; Tisha Simeral, Terry Douds, Larry Cook, Chris Michaelides, bass; Steve Schaar, John von Ohlen (14), drums.

Herb's Book Feat. Herb Harrison

---

Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra - Jazz Tempo

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop, Big Band
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:33
Size: 169,4 MB
Art: Front

( 5:18)  1. Bright Eyes
( 4:13)  2. Sugarloaf Mountain
( 5:25)  3. The Days of Wine and Roses
( 3:10)  4. Indian Summer
( 5:56)  5. Camel Driver
( 3:12)  6. The Midnight Sun Will Never Set
( 4:47)  7. Low Down
( 3:22)  8. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
( 6:24)  9. Evil Eyes
( 3:46) 10. Basie
( 5:50) 11. Turn Out the Stars
( 5:20) 12. Souse of the Border
(12:14) 13. A Frame For the Blues
( 4:29) 14. It Only Happens Every Time

Per usual we're pushing mostly big band jazz mostly in the post-bop mainstream manner. Here are a couple more of Holman's splendid works, a couple of beauties by Thad Jones, and some jewels from the Basie book two of which are thanks to John Vermeuen's very keen ear! We're pleased to be adding Slide Hampton's distinctive writing to the mix as well as a beautiful bossa nova by Alan Broadbent and a savory exotic dish from Phil Wilson that's an unforgettable ride. For us, this issue tops off with Bill Evans' "Turn Out The Stars," an eloquent eulogy to Evans' father. 

This exquisite arrangement was written by Bill Dobbins for tenorman Bryan Olsheski and we know you'll agree that its beauty is beyond description. For your enjoyment we tender all of the above in Jazz Tempo. Thanks for listening! ~ Vaughn Wiester http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vaughnwiester

Personnel: Saxes - John Vermeulen, Jay Miglia, Bryan Olsheski, Joe Grasiosi, Bob LeBeau;  Trumpets - Erik Gimbel, Larry Everhart, Jim Powell, Bob Larson, Phil Winnard;  Trombones - Ryan Hamilton, Matt Ellis, John Hall, Bill England;  Tuba - Sean Maloney;  French horns - Scott Strohm, John Busic;  Guitar - William Flynn;  Piano - Jim Luellen;  Bass - Larry Cook;  Drums - Steve Schaar

Thank You Mat!

Jazz Tempo

---

Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra - Dreams Come True

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop, Big Band
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:31
Size: 172,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. Boo Boo Be Doop
(4:19)  2. Wailin' In The Woodshed
(3:59)  3. Love Letters
(6:19)  4. Interloper
(5:56)  5. Make Someone Happy
(7:34)  6. Dearly Befuddled
(5:59)  7. Theme & Variations #3
(4:59)  8. The Whole Man
(3:18)  9. Prez Conference
(5:16) 10. Rhoda Map
(3:52) 11. Springsville
(7:38) 12. Mon Ami Jobim
(3:06) 13. Walkin' By the River
(7:37) 14. Orange Sherbet

Big Band Jazz in the Post-Swing manner of Count Basie, Woody Herman and Stan Kenton. In this issue we are proud to present three dazzling commissions we know you will enjoy.

First, Bill Holman graciously agreed to restore for us his 1952 swinger, "Boo Boo Be Doop." This irreverently titled jewel was written for Stan Kenton and has been missing for nearly 50 years. Thanks to Bill it's now a Famous Jazz Orchestra exclusive! Second, the illustrious, personable and immensely gifted Bill Mathieu decided to write us a dedication to Holman. His eloquent essay, "The Whole Man," was premiered on September 24, 2007 on the occasion of Willis' fourth appearance with FJO. This stunning masterpiece would seem to mock Mathieu's remark that he's not written for big band in 45 years! And finally, it was our friend Roland Paolucci who suggested a co-comission to Holman for "Theme And Variations #3." Good idea, Roland! This recording is of the official premier performance, with Mr. Holman leading the band. (Roland and I shake hands a lot...What a pal!)

Still more Dreams Come True...Our buddy Chas Baker at Kent State thought we might attempt to persuade the extraordinary Mark Lopeman to prepare a performance version of “Springsville” after the Gil Evans arrangement. Mark has generously donated this luminous transcription to FJO’s library. We know you’ll agree it’s perfect with Jim Powell in the solo role! As far as I know, we one of the only two orchestras playing John Hall’s “Dearly Befuddled,” the other being the Carl Saunders Band out in LA. Pretty good company! We not only play the chart, but we’ve got John Hall! We are so pleased to have become acquainted with Joe Coccia, a most amiable gentleman living in Cranston, Rhode Island. Here are two of his charts, both written in 1957 for Stan’s band. I am personally overjoyed to be playing Joe’s beautiful arrangement of “Walkin’ By The River,” one of the lovliest charts I’ve ever heard. Yes folks, a Dream Come True! more...http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vaughnwiesters2

Collective Personnel: Saxes: John Vermeulen, Jay Miglia, Bryan Olsheski, Joe Graziosi, Bob LeBeau, Matt Adams (10), Gordon Shaffer (12); Trumpets: Erik Gimbel, Larry Everhart, Jim Powell, Bob Larson, Phil Winnard, Jack Schantz (4), Max Roach (4), Ben Huntoon (10), Warren Clark (9), Alan Paar (13); Trombones: Ryan Hamilton, Matt Ellis, John Hall, Bill England (bass trombone), Jessica Sneeringer (1,2,5), Evan Oberla (11), Matt Smith (bass trombone) (12); Tuba: Sean Maloney, Kie Watkins (4); Horns: Scott Strohm, Tiffany Damicone, Mariah Cheyney (1,2,5), John Busic (3), Kristin Pruitt (4); Rhythm: Derek DiCenzo, Aaron Quinn (1,2,5,7), Rob Smeets 13), Andrew Hartman (3) guitar - Larry Cook, bass - Steve Schaar, John von Ohlen (3) drums - Jim Luellen, Ed Cottle (6,12), Jon Eshelman (7) piano - Margie Coyle, percussion; Bill Holman, conductor (7)

Thank You Mat!
Dreams Come True

---