Team a major arranger (Don Menza) with some of Los Angeles' top musicians and superior straight-ahead material and the result is a memorable big band recording. Many of the selections heard on this live date are based on familiar chord changes, with "Gravy" being better known as "Walkin'," "Faviana" actually being a disguised "Stella by Starlight," and "Time to Leave" being based on "After You've Gone." The arrangements are always swinging and full of surprises, and the many soloists include Menza on tenor (showcased on a rare instrumental version of "Nina Never Knew"), trombonists Bob McChesney and Alex Iles, trumpeter Don Rader, altoist Lanny Morgan on "Hark the Harold," and trumpeter Bobby Shew on "Prelude to a Kiss." Every selection is fun to hear, making one wish that Don Menza would lead many more big band sets in the future. At least one can be grateful for this gem. ~ Scott Yanow
Legendary Tenor Saxophonist Don Menza brings us his big band recorded in Los Angeles in 2004. This is the first Don Menza Big Band recording since Don's famous "Burnin'" album of the early 1980's. Don is joined by such jazz stars as Bobby Shew, Lanny Morgan, Jack Nimitz, Bill Reichenbach, Don Rader, Ron King, and Chris Conner."There is just cause to hail the realization of this recording. It is the first Menza big band recording since 1981 when his heralded "Burnin'" album made a resounding statement. The drought has finally ended with "Menza Lines"-a knock out 'live' recording.
The Menza band was further endowed with the exact same powerful 5-man trumpet section which played on his "Burnin'" record-(Chuck Findley, Ron King, Don Rader, Bobby Shew and Frank Szabo), likewise in the case of alumnus trombonist Bill Reichenbach and baritone saxophonist Jack Nimitz. Reconvening with players from the past inherently paid off in the band's overall quality performance and experience quotient.
With conviction and candor Menza declares "We should all hold our heads high. There's no gimmicks and no submissions to current trends or popular styles. I play and write what I feel- nothing more, nothing less."Amen. Menza Lines-all aboard!Dr. Herb WongPast-President, IAJEAlumnus, KJAZ Radio- San Francisco
Don Menza: Mark Waggoner (guitar); Russ D'Alba (reeds); John Hasselback (trombone); Chris Conner (bass guitar); Mike Stephans (drums); Chuck Findley, Don Rader, Jack Nimitz, Lanny Morgan, Mike Abene, Tom Peterson, Alexander Iles, Bill Reichenbach Jr. , Frank Szabo, Ron King, Bob McChesney, Doug Webb, Bobby Shew.
Personnel: Don Menza (tenor saxophone); Don Menza (vocals); Mark Waggoner (guitar); Jack Nimitz, Lanny Morgan, Tom Peterson, Doug Webb (reeds); Chuck Findley, Don Rader, Frank Szabo, Ron King, Bobby Shew (trumpet); Alexander Iles, Bill Reichenbach Jr. , Bob McChesney (trombone); Mike Abene (piano); Mike Stephans (drums).
Audio Mixer: Mike Clinco.
Liner Note Author: Herb Wong.
Recording information: LAX Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA (10/01/2004).JazzTimes (pp.111-112) - "[H]is straightahead writing reflects the influences of, among other Menza favorites, the great Bill Holman."
51548 
buttons below to play song samples
Adobe Flash
Email a Friend
