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Diva Jazz Orchestra: "30": Live at Dizzy's Club

By Jack Bowers
October 19, 2023
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Diva Jazz Orchestra: "30": Live at Dizzy's Club

The "30" in the title of the superlative all-woman Diva Jazz Orchestra's latest album stands for 30 years, which, believe it or not, is how long the orchestra and its remarkable drummer and leader,

Sherrie Maricle

drums
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Sherrie Maricle, have been up and running and making beautiful music at home and abroad. Among U.S.-based big bands, it would seem that only

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie,

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington and

" data-original-title="" title="">Woody Herman have had longer runs than that. Fast company indeed. So is Diva ready for comparisons? Oh, yes; in fact, more than ready. Simply close your eyes, open your mind, and Diva is on an equal footing with any big band you are likely to hear, male or female, past or present, in spite of some sonic hindrances imposed by a live recording.

Even classics like Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone" and Basie's "Every Day I Have the Blues" are given fresh and exciting rides, thanks in part to the orchestra's virtuosity and as much to superb charts by

Dennis Mackrel

drums
b.1962

" data-original-title="" title="">Dennis Mackrel and

Scott Whitfield

trombone
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Scott Whitfield, respectively.

Sue Giles

vocals
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Sue Giles sings with warmth and passion on "Every Day," as she does on "Here's to Life" and a persuasive six-song tribute to the great

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald ("The Object of My Affection," "How High the Moon," "Stompin' at the Savoy/Undecided," "A Tisket, a Tasket," "Oh, Lady Be Good").

According to Maricle, the album's ten numbers are for the most part band and fan favorites, most of which have ben recorded before including the galvanic opening track, "Something's Coming"—from Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim's musical masterpiece, West Side Story—which was the title of the orchesta's debut album in 1995. Soloists on

Michael Abene

piano
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Abene's splendid arrangement are alto saxophonist Erica von Kleist and trumpeter

Kellin Hanas

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Kellin Hanas. "Mellow Tone" (first recorded by the orchestra in 2002) is next, encompassing inspired solos by trumpeter

Jami Dauber

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Jami Dauber and (muted) trombonist

Jen Krupa

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jen Krupa.

Following "Here's to Life," Maricle lets her drums speak for themselves on

Rich Shemaria

" data-original-title="" title="">Rich Shemaria's dynamic arrangement of Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin,'" crafting a fiery solo to amplify eloquent statements by bass trombonist

Leslie Havens

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Leslie Havens, bassist

Norika Ueda

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Norika Ueda and tenor Laura Dreyer. Also from West Side Story (and first recorded by Diva in 1998) comes

Ellen Rowe

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Ellen Rowe's stylish treatment of "I Feel Pretty," whose handsome solos are by flugel

Barbara Laronga

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Barbara Laronga and baritone

Leigh Pilzer

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Leigh Pilzer.

Still wishing for a guaranteed show-stopper? Wish no longer, as help is on the way in the form of "Three Sisters and a Cousin," the late Stanley Kay's emphatic answer to

Jimmy Giuffre

clarinet
1921 - 2008

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Giuffre's memorable "Four Brothers." The close "relatives" here are altos von Kleist and

Scheila Gonzales

woodwinds

" data-original-title="" title="">Scheila Gonzales, tenors Dreyer and

Jade Elliott

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Jade Elliott, and baritone Pilzer. Maricle is her usual assertive self, while the orchestra—to borrow a phrase from another Woody Herman staple—is blowin' up a storm.

Lest you may think that's the last of the album's pleasant surprises, think again, as there are two more to come, starting with a truly unforeseen eye-opener, the late

Tommy Newsom

saxophone
1929 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Tommy Newsom's charming arrangement of "Inka Dinka Doo," a song most closely associated with comedian Jimmy Durante. The band settles into a snug and amiable groove while Pilzer and pianist

Tomoko Ohno

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Tomoko Ohno make sure the swing thermometer remains high. "Inka Dinka Doo," a band favorite first recorded by Diva in 1997, proves an ideal prelude to the album's closing number, Maricle's roaring arrangement of

Charlie Christian

guitar, electric
1916 - 1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Christian/

Benny Goodman

clarinet
1909 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Benny Goodman's animated "Air Mail Special," on which she bombards the drums in the manner of her leading role model, the incomparable

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich. Other soloists are von Kleist—this time on soprano sax—trumpeter Hanas and bassist Ueda. A laudable way to end the concert.

As noted, Diva nails every number on this impressive anniversary narrative, recorded in front of an enthusiastic audience at Dizzy's Club in New York City. One reason not yet mentioned for that is the imposing presence of peerless lead trumpeter

Liesl Whitaker

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Liesl Whitaker, a charter member of the ensemble who remains one of the best there is at presiding over a section. The orchestra as a whole is exemplary, the charts consistently colorful and pleasing. Five stars for artistic excellence and remarkable longevity.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Something��s Coming; In a Mellow Tone; Here��s to Life; I��m Gonna Go Fishin��; Every Day I Have the Blues; I Feel Pretty; Three Sisters and a Cousin; A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (The Object of My Affection/How High the Moon/A Tisket, a Tasket/Oh, Lady Be Good); Inka Dinka Doo; Airmail Special.

Personnel

Sherrie Maricle

drums

Liesl Whitaker

trumpet

Jami Dauber

trumpet

Kellin Hanas

trumpet

Barbara Laronga

trumpet

Rachel Therrien

trumpet

Erica von Kleist

saxophone

Scheila Gonzales

woodwinds

Laura Dreyer

saxophone

Jade Elliott

saxophone

Leigh Pilzer

saxophone, baritone

Jennifer Krupa

trombone

Sara Jacovino

trombone

Hailey Brinnel

trombone

Leslie Havens

trombone

Noriko Ueda

bass

Tomoko Ohno

piano

Sue Giles

vocals

Album information

Title: "30": Live at Dizzy's Club | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Diva Records

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