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| Gary Tole & Legends of Swing
This CD is quite a departure from the big band of the 1940s and the late 20th century ghost bands, playing some old, over-worked tired arrangements. These renditions are well-conceived recordings of big band classics, but with a new and friendly |
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 | One Kettle for CountNot Rated
Released: 2007 |
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| Gary Tole & Legends of Swing
This CD is quite a departure from the big band of the 1940s and the late 20th century ghost bands, playing some old, over-worked tired arrangements. These renditions are well-conceived recordings of big band classics, but with a new and friendly face. They blend the best traditions of yesteryear with the musical expertise of today. Recording in the 21st century, this is a valid formula and an ideal approach for this genre.
While Gary Tole is the captain of this ship, he is surrounded by a host of extraordinary musicians. Along with a handsome crew of very capable arrangers, Gary has handpicked 18 of the top players in Los Angeles, providing considerable versatility. One of the primary strengths of the band is its superb soloists. Thus are all good albums made.
There are many golden moments on this compact disc. Here are a few that deserve special comment.
ONE KETTLE FOR COUNT. Scott Whitfield starts us off cheerfully. Everyone plays with such a powerful sense of control, that this track reflects the true spirit and attitude of the band; play good music and along with the art, have some fun! It's a happy synthesis of sparkling ensemble and tasty, swingin' solos.
PICK UP THE PIECES The concept for this one belongs to Gary Tole, bringing the "Sing Sing" and "Big Noise from Winnetka" ideas a few light years from whence they started. Bob Marino's drum work galvanized the rhythm section and oiled the wheels for Don Shelton, Glenn Morrissette and the band. Jennifer Leitham 's work on bass is beautiful!
C JAM BLUES I've never heard a better or more swinging performance of this tune. It feels like Duke-by-Basie, as the rhythm section is definitely in the pocket, driving the ensemble with a clean incisive swing feel. A great launching pad for some hard driving solos by Bob Remstein, Mike Higgins, Tom Marino, Don Shelton, Scott Whitfield and Glenn Morrissette.
LOVE FOR SALE Kim Richmond's arrangements are always inventive and technically fluent. What a vocal vehicle he gives Cassie Miller. It takes a talented performer to bring it to life, and she is terrific on this one.
I'LL NEVER SMILE AGAIN No syrupy rendition here. It keeps the integrity of the original, and adds a gentle beat in the Basie style. Billy Byers, was one of the greatest arrangers of the 20th Century; what more can I say? Even his ballads say, "Swing's the thing."
BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE An intelligent new treatment that's well conceived, and performed artfully. Roger Neumann contributes for a joyful audio experience.
BREATHLESS Dick Lieb's romantic ballad lays down a handsome harmonic carpet for Gary to tread on. Gary outlines the theme in a warm style that for decades, has been much too rarely heard. All the gentleness and sensitivity of the man is expressed in this performance. He reminds us that somewhere along the years, most modern day trombonists have forgotten the sonority and silky smoothness of this instrument.
At a time when there is so much accent on whining guitars and synthesizers, this presentation is inspiring because of the musical direction it takes. To quote Gary, "The beauty of recording everything live gave us the spontaneity that you don't get otherwise. There were no over-dubs and no "protools! I wanted to capture the real sound of studio A and the band working together. What you may lose in near-perfect execution, you gain in energy and excitement, and there is never an awareness of working at it; it’s just there, genuinely and naturally. Its the truest picture of the band."
No commentary on this CD would be complete without mentioning the engineering. Recording a big band in one sitting with no over-dubs is a lost art form. Kudos to Charlie Paakkari!
This band can swing with the best of them, and I say that from decades of experience. From the original concept, to the last note of the final record session, the band is true to the spirit and essence of big band jazz. This CD is a rare gift of good taste along with fresh harmonic structures and a marvelous group of soloists, which certainly includes vocalists Cassie Miller and Mike Costley. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
-Sammy Nestico
Personnel: Gary Tole, leader / lead trombone
Don Shelton lead alto sax, flute, clarinet
Charlie Richard, alto sax, flute, clarinet
Glenn Morrisette, tenor sax, clarinet
Dave Hill, tenor sax, clarinet
Roger Neumann, bari sax
Scott Whitfield, trombone
Jim Boltinghouse, trombone
Bryant Byers, bass trombone
Gary Halopoff, trumpet
Tom Marino, trumpet
Bob O’Donnell, trumpet
Bob Remstein, piano
Mike Higgins, guitar
Jennifer Leitham, bass
Bob Marino, drums
Cassie Miller, vocal
Mike Costley, vocal
One Kettle For Count
Original composition by Scott Whitfield. Inspired by our “road” trips together.
Features: Bob Remstein on piano, Glenn Morrisete on tenor sax, Mike Higgins on guitar, Jennifer Leitham, bass
Pick up the Pieces
Concept by Gary Tole, arranged by Scott Whitfield
Features: Bob Marino on drums, Don Shelton on clarinet, Jennifer Leitham on bass, Glenn Morrisette on tenor sax
With A Little Help From My Friends
Arranged by Scott Whitfield
Features: Mike Costley
Someone To Watch Over Me
Arranged by Johnny Keating? (not sure, still researching to confirm)
Features: Bob Remstein on piano, Gary Tole on trombone, Bob O’Donnell on lead trumpet
That Did It Marie
Arranged by Eddie Sauter and Scott Whitfield. First part of this arrangement is exactly the way it was recorded by Benny Goodman and sung by Peggy Lee in November 1941. From the solo section on out to the end is arranged by Scott Whitfield. I like taking old arrangement from there original form and transforming them into today’s voicing to end the arrangement.
Features: Cassie Miller, Don Shelton on clarinet
C Jam Blues
Composed and arranged by Duke Ellington
Features: Bob Remstein on piano, Mike Higgins on guitar, Tom Marino on trumpet, Don Shelton on clarinet, Scott Whitfield on trombone, Glenn Morrisette on tenor sax
American Bandstand Boogie
Composed by Charles Albertine, arranged by Walt Stuart
Features: Glenn Morrisette on tenor sax, Bob Remstein on piano, Bob Marino on drums
Happy Together
Arranged by Kim Richmond
Features: Cassie Miller
I’ll Never Smile Again
Arranged by Billy Byers
Features: Bob Remstein on piano, Gary Tole on trombone, Gary Halopoff lead trumpet
Flyin’ Home
Arranged by Alan Glasscock
Features: Glenn Morrisette on tenor, Tom Marino on trumpet, Bob Remstein on piano
Moten Swing
Arranged by Ernie Wilkins
Features: Bob Remstein on piano, Glenn Morrisette on tenor sax, Tom Marino on trumpet
Love For Sale
Arranged by Kim Richmond
Features: Cassie Miller
Baby It’s Cold Outside
Arranged by Scott Whitfield. Concept by Gary Tole. Parody: Love To Keep Me Warm
Features: Cassie Miller and Mike Costley, Roger Neumann on baritone
Breathless
Composed and arranged by Dick Lieb
Features: Gary Tole on trombone, Bob O’Donnell on lead trumpet, Don Shelton on alto sax, Glenn Morrisette on tenor
The session
Recorded & Mixed at Capitol Records Hollywood California
October 22, 2006
Engineer: Charlie Paakkari
Mastered by Ron McMaster at Capitol Records Hollywood California
Executive Producer: Steve Shultz
Producer: Gary Tole
Assistant Producer: Bob Marino
Production Assistant: Nelson Kole
Art Design: McInnwood Technologies, Inc.
Legal: Gordon Firemark, Entertainment Law
Photo: Gordon Firemark, Rene Lagler
Booking Information:
Gary Tole Music Productions, Inc.
email: ToleMusic@aol.com
www.legendsofswing.com
Special thanks:
This project is a dream come try for me and special thanks to those who made it happen. Steve Shultz, you have the most amazing appreciation for the Arts. I am so grateful for your friendship, your belief in me and the Legends of Swing vision.
To the members of Legends of Swing, the most talented musically and personally. This is only the beginning!
To my Dad for his continual support and words of wisdom. To my dear Mother and sister Amy whose spirits are in my heart and always spoken through my music. “Someone to Watch Over Me” is all for you!
My most heartfelt gratitude goes to those of you who have believed in me through every stage of my life. You are the ones whom I hold dearest to my heart and will treasure forever. Each chapter has had sorrow and joy, a balance that is necessary to live life to its fullest. Many more exciting chapters are yet to unfold and I trust you will be there.
And finally, it’s martini time! Happy times and “One Ketel For Count”……let’s dream. |
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