Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band
Release Date: 01 December 2017
Label: MPS
Packaging Type: Digipak
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 4029759119562
Description
Without ever making concessions to the trend of the moment, the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band was the embodiment of the timeless art of the jazz orchestra. Its play was proof positive that a jazz big band compiled of top-flite musicians from both sides of the Atlantic could take off and soar. Regarded as the most important big band outside of the US, this bi-continental orchestra recorded over two dozen albums, close to a third of these under the SABA and MPS labels. Recorded in May, 1968, 'All Smiles' was one of the Band's highpoints.
The album exhibits a style that became synonymous with this US-European enterprise: it not only swung - it was the perfect vehicle for Boland's sophisticated modern arrangements. Trumpeters Benny Bailey and Idrees Sulieman, saxophonists Johnny Griffin and Ronnie Scott, as well as special guest vibraphonist Dave Pike are some of the jazz giants among the soloists in this 17-man combo who turn out some masterly short portraits.
From the fleet-footed waltz I'm All Smiles to the bluesy party piece, By Strauss and the sensuous theme from Gloria, the journey continues on through to the furious John Phillip Souza finale, High School Cadets. Preferring varicolored intricacy over massive walls of sound, The Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band stood up against the constant flow of momentary fads, remaining true to the inventive tradition of the great big bands.
Description
Without ever making concessions to the trend of the moment, the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band was the embodiment of the timeless art of the jazz orchestra. Its play was proof positive that a jazz big band compiled of top-flite musicians from both sides of the Atlantic could take off and soar. Regarded as the most important big band outside of the US, this bi-continental orchestra recorded over two dozen albums, close to a third of these under the SABA and MPS labels. Recorded in May, 1968, 'All Smiles' was one of the Band's highpoints.
The album exhibits a style that became synonymous with this US-European enterprise: it not only swung - it was the perfect vehicle for Boland's sophisticated modern arrangements. Trumpeters Benny Bailey and Idrees Sulieman, saxophonists Johnny Griffin and Ronnie Scott, as well as special guest vibraphonist Dave Pike are some of the jazz giants among the soloists in this 17-man combo who turn out some masterly short portraits.
From the fleet-footed waltz I'm All Smiles to the bluesy party piece, By Strauss and the sensuous theme from Gloria, the journey continues on through to the furious John Phillip Souza finale, High School Cadets. Preferring varicolored intricacy over massive walls of sound, The Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band stood up against the constant flow of momentary fads, remaining true to the inventive tradition of the great big bands.
Tracklisting
Tracklisting
Oscar Peterson
Monty Alexander
Various Artists
John Taylor Trio
Volker Kriegel
Jean-Luc Ponty
Alphonse Mouzon
The Rolf Kuhn Group
Tom Smith
Klaus Gesing, Ana Pilat, Latvian Radio Big Band
Maria Schneider
Maria Schneider
Danish Radio Big Band
Hackney Colliery Band
Etienne Charles & Creole Orchestra
Peter Vuust & Aarhus Jazz Orchestra
