Stan Bann Big Band

Stratford Blue

(STAN BANN MUSIC www.stanbann.com )

Sentimental Journey; Tangerine; Stratford Blue; The Phone Goddess; At Sunsets; Angel Eyes; Getting Sentimental Over You; Sax Noir (58.38)

Doug Rasmussen, Harry McCoy, Eric Bressler, Paul Peterson, Scott Harris (saxes); Steve Jones, Mike Hillman, Tim Killam, Bob Hirte, Dennis Lodin (trumpet); Stan Bann, Mike Larson, Steve Sapoci, Kim Swarts, Bill Beach (trombone); Cherie Bann (keyboard, clarinet, percussion); Bart Bakker (bass); Kevin Domino (drums, percussions) May 1999 Minnesota

I love big bands and I have an extensive colluction - this current effort by Stan's band will have pride of place alongside those of Kenton, Herman, Florence and Holman.

It may not be the equal of those great lps from the past, but it is close to the best with its individuality and a new crop of terrific ensemble and solo Jazz musicians.

You will notice among the song titles, four from the past which have been given a completely different "make-over". The four originals and the standards give the band and its soloists plenty of opportunity ta show their precise section work and their imaginative solos.

If you rate big bands highly, then you will need to check this one out.

by Al Merritt