Allan Vache, best known for his longtime association with Jim Cullum, is a fiery, chance-taking clarinetist whose main influence is Benny Goodman. The BG connection is felt even stronger than usual on this CD due to the instrumentation (the same as the first Benny Goodman Sextet), the 1940s-era standards, and the playing of the sidemen. Pianist... Read More

In 1997, bandleader/arranger Gerald Wilson was commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival to write an original piece to be performed at that year's festival. Wilson's goal was to compose a melody that the audience would leave the venue singing to themselves. He succeeded by casting his "Theme for Monterey" in five different styles, with his big... Read More

As a follow-up to the New York Big Band CD, trombonist John Fedchock has gone that disc one better, not so much in improvising the band or song selections, but infusing more energy and excitement into the proceedings. As a mature player who also writes, he offers hefty charts that his players can dig their musical teeth into. He's also able to... Read More