Jim Orchestra Knapp Things For Now CD

In the 1930s and early '40s, jazz was famous for its big bands. Whether you were going to see Artie Shaw, Jimmie Lunceford, or a local orchestra that never played outside of your home town, big bands were a crucial part of jazz in those days. But after World War II, big bands became a minority. Thankfully, they didn't disappear altogether; some bop and post-bop legends were lucky enough to specialize in big bands (including Gil Evans and Oliver Nelson), and many improvisers who specialize in small groups will record the occasional big-band date. In the 1990s, Jim Knapp, who doesn't play any instruments on this 1998 session Things for Now, was doing his part to keep the big band tradition alive. His role is that of a conductor and arranger, and Knapp's appreciation of Evans comes through on his own compositions as well as arrangements of Lee Konitz's "Subconscious Lee," Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks," and the Christmas carol "The Little Drummer Boy" (which Knapp's orchestra brings Afro-Cuban elements to). The CD is mostly instrumental, although singer Jay Clayton has some nice spots on the standards "Where or When" and "The Nearness of You." Things For Now isn't distinctive or groundbreaking; Evans was doing this type of thing in the 1950s. But it's decent and pleasing, if derivative. ~ Alex Henderson

Recorded at Bear Creek Studio, Woodinville, Washington from September 8-10, 1998. Includes liner notes by Jim Knapp.

Jim Knapp Orchestra: Jim Knapp (conductor); Jay Clayton (vocals); Mark Taylor, Hans Teuber (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, flute); Greg Metcalf (tenor & baritone saxophones, clarinet); Rob Davis (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet); Brad Allison, Jay Thomas, Jack Halsey (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jeff Hay (trombone); Dave Ritt, Greg Schroeder (bass trombone); Karen Halsey (French horn); John Hansen (piano); Chuck Bergeron, Chuck Deardorf (bass); John Wikan (drums).

Personnel: Jay Clayton (vocals); Hans Teuber, Mark Taylor (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Greg Metcalf (clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Rob Davis (bass clarinet, tenor saxophone); Jack Halsey, Jay Thomas, Brad Allison (trumpet, flugelhorn); Karen Halsey (French horn); Dave Ritt (trombone, bass trombone); Jeff Hay (trombone); Greg Schroeder (bass trombone); John Hansen (piano); Jon Wikan (snare drum).

Audio Mixers: John Fedchock; Paul Wickliffe.

Liner Note Author: Jim Knapp.

Recording information: Bear Creek Studio, Woodinville, WA (09/08/1998-09/10/1998).

Arranger: Jim Knapp.