Bill Berry's L A Big Band - 1976 - Hello Rev FLAC torrent

Bill Berry's L.A. Big Band - 1976 - Hello Rev

Although a bit overlooked at the time (especially on the East Coast), Bill Berry's L.A. Big Band was one of the finest jazz orchestras of the mid- to late '70s. The all-star unit unfortunately recorded much too little, just one album for cornetist Berry's Beez label and this lone Concord set. The power and joyful swing of the all-star unit can certainly be heard on the latter, which was recorded at the 1976 Concord Jazz Festival. Solo space is allocated to Berry; trumpeters Jack Sheldon (who also sings "Tulip or Turnip"), Blue Mitchell, and Cat Anderson; trombonists Tricky Lofton, Jimmy Cleveland, and Britt Woodman; tenor saxophonists Richie Kamuca and Don Menza; and pianist Dave Frishberg, among others, and one should not overlook the lead alto work by Marshall Royal. This was certainly a remarkable unit. Berry modeled the band after Duke Ellington's and his rendition of "Cotton Tail" (with high note blasts in the "background" by Cat Anderson) is a classic. Highly recommended. (AllMusic)

Track list:
01 - Hello Rev
02 - The Star Crossed Lovers
03 - The Bink - And How
04 - Earl
05 - A Little Song For Mex
06 - Be Your Own Best Friend
07 - Tulip Or Turnip
08 - Boy Meets Horn
09 - Cotton Tail

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