South Florida Jazz Orchestra CD

While New York City is widely considered to be the center of the jazz universe, not every talented musician makes his or her home there. The South Florida Jazz Orchestra, directed by bassist Chuck Bergeron, include a host of musicians with extensive professional credits who have chosen to settle in the Sunshine State, with several of them teaching jazz at universities. Their selections include a mix of originals, standards, and familiar jazz works. Bergeron's upbeat "Role Models" showcases guest Charles Pillow on soprano sax and pianist Doug Bickel, while his swinging chart of "Nature Boy" features guest Kevin Mahogany's vocals. Trumpeter Alex Norris' lively Afro-Cuban chart of Ernesto Lecuona's "Siboney" is full of fire, and veteran arranger Mike Lewis penned the subtle "...And the Basses Are Loaded" as a showpiece for Bergeron. If there is a weak spot in this session, it is vocalist Nicole Yarling's excessive vibrato in portions of "Blame It on My Youth." ~ Ken Dryden

Arranger: Gary Lindsay.

South Florida Jazz Orchestra: Gary Lindsay (clarinet, alto saxophone); Michael Brignola (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Gary Keller (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Jason Kush, Ken Mattis (tenor saxophone); Augie Haas, Rodrigo Gallardo, Alex Norris, Jason Carder (trumpet); Noah Bellamy, Dante Luciani, Steve Sigmund, John Kricker (trombone); Joe Barati (bass trombone); Doug Bickel, Brian Murphy (piano); Chuck Bergeron (bass instrument); John Yarling (drums).

Personnel: Kevin Mahogany (vocals, baritone); Dana Paul, Nicole Yarling (vocals); Ed Calle, Charles Pillow (saxophone); Arturo Sandoval (trumpet).

JazzTimes (p.113) - "Sandoval's dazzling virtuosity brightens 'Blues Gumbo,' the opening track, but it's clear that the regulars bring plenty to the table..."