One Kettle for Count : iSOUND.COM™

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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; itâ€™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 Oâ€™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 â€œroadâ€ 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 Oâ€™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 todayâ€™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 Iâ€™ll Never Smile Again Arranged by Billy Byers Features: Bob Remstein on piano, Gary Tole on trombone, Gary Halopoff lead trumpet Flyinâ€™ 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 Itâ€™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 Oâ€™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. â€œSomeone to Watch Over Meâ€ 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, itâ€™s martini time! Happy times and â€œOne Ketel For Countâ€â€¦â€¦letâ€™s dream.