Bob Florence Serendipity 18 CD

Recorded on August 27 & 28, 1998. Includes liner notes by Kirk Silsbee.

SERENDIPITY 18 won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Individual Or Group.

Bob Florence leads the way in the survival of the modern big band. His Limited Edition group is more than just a large ensemble; it is a living, breathing animal with a personality and imagination all its own. As the leader, Florence is the brain of the beast and operates its various limbs--or sections, you might say--with the all the fluidity and strength of any other intelligent being. On SERENDIPITY 18, Florence lets the band loose to run and jump through its paces and exercise its powerful muscles.

As a composer and arranger, Florence is at the peak of his powers here, unleashing with the burning title cut that comes out with all guns firing before shifting in and out of intricate ensemble passages. Stanley Turrentine's grooving "Sugar" is a disc highlight that showcases the band's ability to boogie on a sizzling shuffle. Shifting gears, the gentle "Tres Palabras" is a beautiful feature for Florence's often forgotten piano skills. The grand finale is the massive "3 E-Motions" suite, which features every aspect of the group's many talents. Other highlights are the clarinet feature "Bimbosity" and the inspired ballad "Evelyn."

this multi-talented musician has received 13 Grammy nominations & 2 Emmy awards - here is his fourth Mama release, feat. soaring tempos, complex ensemble passages & astonishing firepower in a big band setting

Graham, Ron Stout, Carl Saunders (trumpet); Alex Iles, Charlie Loper, Bob McChesney (trombone); Don Waldrop (bass trombone); Trey Henry (bass); Dick Weller (drums).

Composer: Bob Florence.

Personnel: Don Shelton , Kim Richmond, Terry Harrington, Bob Efford, Bob Carr, Jeff Driskill (reeds); Carl Standers, George Graham, Rick Baptist, Steve Huffsteter , Wayne Bergeron, Ron Stout (trumpet); Ales Iles, Charles Loper, Bob McChesney (trombone); Donald Waldrop (bass trombone); Bob Florence (piano); Trey Henry (bass guitar); Dick Weller (drums).

Personnel: Bob Florence (piano); Don Shelton (soprano & alto saxophones, flute, clarinet); Kim Richmond (alto saxophone, flute, clarinet); Terry Harrington, Jeff Driskill (tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet); Bob Efford (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Bob Carr (baritone saxophone, E-flat contra alto clarinet); Steve Huffsteter, Wayne Bergeron, Rick Baptist, George