During 1956-61, Harry Arnold led one of the most popular jazz big bands in Sweden, a talented outfit that included such fine players as trombonist Ake Persson, altoist Arne Domnerus, pianist Bengt Hallberg and American trumpeter Benny Bailey. This CD has three previously unreleased radio broadcasts and finds the band at the height of its power. Quincy Jones is conductor and arranger of the final four selections including "The Midnight Sun Never Sets" and "Meet Benny Bailey." This well-recorded music is easily recommended to fans of 1950's-style jazz. ~ Scott Yanow

Don Menza has had strong ties with the German Jazz scene for decades - receiving some of his first solo opportunities when he was stationed in Stuttgart in the '50s and again later in the mid-1960s. He is a powerful and versatile tenor saxophonist who is able to effectively imitate most of the top horn men while maintaining a distinctive sound of his own.

Diva is an All Female, well-balanced, contemporary big band that performs with precision a diverse repertory by such arrangers as Scott Whitfield, Michael Abene, John McNeil, Ellen Rowe and Tommy Newsom. The tunes on this thoroughly satisfying recording, their third, include a medley of songs associated with Ella Fitzgerald; an unexpected, but appealing, rubato arrangement by Abene of the normally jaunty "Happy Days Are Here Again;" a blazing Flip Phillips-composed chart on "rhythm" changes; and six other complementary tracks. The band swings like mad and the soloists-some of them veterans of groups like the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, Toshiko, and Doc Severinsen bands-are consistently top caliber.

Just when you think that you have heard just about everything a big band can offer, along comes a Gary Urwin with a few fresh ideas to reinvigorate ones interest. I guess that's why big band music is not likely to ever die, and talking of big - big it is.! 24 piece to be precise.Highly recommended - It swings like crazy.

Farmers Market Barbeque represents the later period in Count Basie's career. Basie always maintained a firm grasp on his music; his concept never wavered or faltered when it came to good, down-home swing. Basie's music always contained elements of group interplay. In his later years, his music was much more highly arranged; however, an impromptu approach to jazz still pervaded his work. If spontaneity was the mark of the Kansas City days, lightheartedness permeated his later efforts.This is most clearly displayed on tracks such as "Lester Leaps In" and "Jumpin' at the Woodside." On the latter, the Count and his orchestra sustain a light and buoyant swing while still infusing the music with lively improvisations.

The Jack Cortner New York Big Band's debut CD is filled with complex yet easily accessible arrangements played by many of New York City's best jazz musicians. Leader Jack Cortner is joined by special guest trumpet soloist Marvin Stamm, and the band features other jazz soloists including Jim Pugh, Dave Tofani, Bill Mays, and John Riley.

Baritonist Gerry Mulligan has had few opportunities to record with a big band since his Concert Jazz Band broke up in 1963, a real pity considering how talented a composer and arranger he has been. This DRG release features a strong orchestra (with such soloists as trumpeter Tom Harrell, altoist Gerry Niewood, pianist Mitchel Forman among others) performing several of Jeru's compositions (including "For an Unfinished Woman," "Song for Strayhorn" and "Walk on the Water"), Forman's "Angelica" and Duke Ellington's "Across the Track Blues" along with the standard "I'm Getting Sentimental over You." ~ Scott Yanow

Contains previoulsy unissued material.Some will say that the Kenton band on live recordings was more relaxed and swung harder.I think this album proves that point.The biggest drawback of live recordings is undoubtably the variable recording quality.Rest assured, that with the Status CD's the music has been lovingly transfered using (what was then) the latest digital equipment transfered from 1st generation masters.Those familiar with "Live at the Tropicana" will know what to expect from this CD.

The German composer and bandleader Peter Herbolzheimer revolutionised European big band music with his own outstanding scores and those of other composers.The RC&B was unique in that it had a lineup of eight brass, but originally only one saxophone, with Herb Geller in that chair. Later on his place was taken by Ferdinand Povell, from the Netherlands. The rhythm combination consisted of two keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and percussion. For special events the group was augmented as necessary, but the basic combination remained as such for several years.The RC&B was later replaced by a regular sized big band as can be heard here.

This recording has it all - a great band, exuberant vocalist and a superb guest artist all performing great tunes arranged in a refreshing and exciting manner. Cole Porter unwittingly provided jazz artists with wonderful material for creative expression in so many forms. His music attracts audiences on multiple levels, and continues to provide musicians and listeners alike with a seemingly infinite number of melodic purposes and possibilities yet to be discovered. In this recording, a talented ensemble pays a fitting tribute to the man and the music.

Relatively early Concord release for Bellson, and a swinging affair it is.A very nice small group workout that most will enjoy.

Frank Mantooth was a pianist, composer, arranger, clinician and educator residing in Garden City, Kansas and had an talent for puting together some great bands.This album is no exception and you can see why this album together with his other 4 were nominated for no less than 11 Grammys.

Gerald Wilson's Pacific Jazz albums of the 1960s were arguably the most significant of his career. This CD reissues his second record of the period and has among its highlights the original version of "Viva Tirado" (a catchy number made into a surprise pop hit by El Chicano later in the decade) and a driving rendition of "MIlestones"; the other seven songs (six of which are Wilson's originals) are also quite enjoyable. Among the more notable soloists are trumpeter Carmell Jones, both Teddy Edwards and Harold Land on tenor, guitarist Joe Pass, and pianist Jack Wilson. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Matt Catingub has a rare talent for pulling together a fantastic group of musicians and finding their strengths individually, and as a group.If you enjoy big band music, I recommend adding it to your collection.