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The Len Pierro Jazz Orchestra: As I Was Saying

By Jack Bowers
February 17, 2025
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The Len Pierro Jazz Orchestra: As I Was Saying

Remember the good old days before high-tech hardware and software seized control and the country's leading big bands were recorded in a studio or in concert employing a wide dynamic range with no overdubs or splices to enhance the performance? Composer and arranger Len Pierro does, which is why he planned As I Was Saying, the second album with his Philadelphia-based Jazz Orchestra, to mirror those classic recordings by the likes of

Woody Herman

band / ensemble / orchestra
1913 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Woody Herman,

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

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

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

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

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich and other luminaries whose remarkable legacy has readily withstood the merciless test of time.

As I Was Saying was recorded in two days with no headphones, a minimal number of mics and everyone in the same room. The result is a luminous and cozy session reminiscent of the best of those memorable albums from more than half a century ago. Recording elements aside, much of the alluring climate can be ascribed to Pierro's perceptive and engaging themes and arrangements, reinforced by a superb performance from his stellar orchestra. Eight of Pierro's well-drawn compositions precede the lone standard, Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz's danceable "You and the Night and the Music," and Pierro's hip and gently walking finale, "What He Said."

Trumpeter

Tony DeSantis

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony DeSantis and pianist

Jim Ridl

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Ridl are the impressive soloists on "What He Said," as is DeSantis (with tenor

Bob Howell

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Howell) on the urbane and lyrical "Marionette." Flugelhornist

Jay Anderson

bass
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Jay Anderson is showcased on the sweet and pleasant "The Way It Was," trombonist

Alan Ferber

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Alan Ferber on the ballad "No Chance for Goodbye," alto

Nelson Hill

woodwinds

" data-original-title="" title="">Nelson Hill on the brisk "Newport Breeze." Ferber and Howell share solo space on the cheerfully swaying opener, "As I Was Saying," as do Hill and guitarist

Pat Mercuri

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Mercuri on "One Thing More," Hill, Howell and bassist

Madison Rast

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Madison Rast on the prismatic "Everglades," DeSantis and baritone

Mark Allen

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Allen on the clever and sunny "Duetology." Through it all, the ensemble provides stalwart and unwavering support.

If Pierro harbored any doubts about recording his orchestra as was done in the "good old days" of audio recording before technology arrived to expunge any errors, he needn't have any concern about the result. As I Was Saying is as bright and clean as he or anyone else could have envisioned, and a handsome successor to the unique and enduring albums of yesteryear.

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Track Listing

As I Was Saying; The Way It Was; Marionette; One Thing More; No Chance for Goodbye; Everglades; Duetology; Newport Breeze; You and the Night and the Music; What He Said.

Personnel

Len Pierro

saxophone

Joe Vettori

saxophone, alto

Nelson Hill

woodwinds

Bob Howell

saxophone

Skip Spratt

saxophone, tenor

Mark Allen

saxophone, baritone

Matt Gallagher

trumpet

Dan Wright

trumpet

Joe Anderson

multi-instrumentalist

Tony DeSantis

trumpet

Sean McCusker

trombone

Alan Ferber

trombone

Bill Saurman

trombone

Earl Phillips

band / ensemble / orchestra

Frank Rein

trombone

Pat Mercuri

guitar

Jim Ridl

piano

Madison Rast

bass

Joe Nero

percussion

Album information

Title: As I Was Saying | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: WalkingPath Records

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Len Pierro Concerts

Sep 18 Thu

The Len Pierro Jazz Trio

The Ways Restaurant & Brewery
Glenside, PA

Sep 20 Sat

The Len Pierro Jazz Trio

Human Robot
Jenkintown, PA

Sep 20 Sat

The A to Z Band

The Royal Glenside
Glenside, PA

Sep 25 Thu

The Len Pierro Jazz Trio

The Ways Restaurant & Brewery
Glenside, PA

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