Blue Wisp Big Band Tribute CD

Much like the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard in New York City, the Blue Wisp Big Band has had a long running regular gig at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club for over a quarter century. The 16-piece group draws from a wide spectrum of styles and arrangements. Englishman Frank Griffith's contributions include a cool take of Horace Silver's "Strollin'" and the tense, driving "Ricochet," which sounds like it could have been written for film. Trombonist Paul Piller scored "The Heather on the Hill" in a setting that would have fit Woody Herman's repertoire, while his breezy scoring of George Gershwin's "Soon" is another gem. Baritone saxophonist Larry Dickson contributed the lush treatment of "Daydream" from the vast Duke Ellington songbook, along with an infectious Latin-flavored workout of Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower." This regional group, like many of the bands which record for Sea Breeze, is one that is worthy of greater national attention. ~ Ken Dryden

Audio Mixers: Paul Piller; Larry Dickson; Michael Sharfe; Rick Andress.

Liner Note Authors: Joe Gaudio; Larry Dickson.

Recording information: The Blue Wisp Jazz Club, Cincinnati, OH (05/10/2006-05/31/2006).

Arrangers: Paul Piller; Larry Dickson; Alan Foust; Frank Griffith; Phillip DeGreg.

Blue Wisp Big Band: Mike Andres, Jim Sherrick (alto saxophone); Jeff Folkens, Hank Mautner, Al Nori, Kevin Moore (trumpet); Jeff Owen (trombone); Gary Langhorst (bass trombone); Steve Schmidt (piano); Michael Sharfe (bass instrument); Clarence Pawn, Paul Piller, Herb Aronoff, Joe Gaudio, John Von Ohlen, Larry Dickson.

Personnel: Mike Andres (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Jim Sherrick (alto saxophone); Herb Aronoff, Joe Gaudio (tenor saxophone); Larry Dickson (baritone saxophone); Al Nori, Jeff Folkens (trumpet); Clarence Pawn, Paul Piller, Jeffrey Owen (trombone); Gary Langhorst (bass trombone); John Von Ohlen (drums).