Jazz
New England Jazz Ensemble
George Sovak, Larry Dvorin (clarinet); John Mastroianni, Bob DePalma (alto saxophone); Lisa LaDone (baritone saxophone); Steve Fitzko, Phil Person, Jeff Holmes, Hank Zorn (flugelhorn); Tim Atherton, Peter McEachern, Dave Sporny (trombone); Dave Wampler (bass trombone); Walter Gwardyak (piano); Steve Bulmer (bass instrument); Joe Mele (drums)
* Charlie Eble - Engineer, Mastering
* Jeff Holmes - Editing
* John Mastroianni - Editing, Lead, Mixing
* Sam Ouk - Cover Design
The New England Jazz Ensemble is a spirited stage band that is comprised of music teachers based in the Northeast. The music on this live CD, which was mostly arranged and/or written by trumpeter Jeff Holmes, pianist Walt Gwardyak and altoist John Mastroianni, hits the usual spots with blues (both major and minor), a medley of standards, some Latin, originals that Stan Kenton might have enjoyed, and a ballad feature. The soloists are solid, the music is conventional, modern mainstream big-band jazz and there are plenty of moments of excitement. The medium-up blues "Tron," trombonist Tim Atherton's showcase on "You Don't Know What Love Is," and the cooking "Nasty Masty" are among the high points. A fine outing.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
