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Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band: Eleven

By C. Michael Bailey
March 9, 2012
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Track review of "Moanin��"

Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band: Eleven

Like many other corners in that amorphous room called jazz, big band jazz has grown more abstract and experimental since its heyday in the 1930s. This process is necessary for the creative evolution of the art, but often produces music that is as unlistenable as it is creative—or brilliant. Abstract growth may be considered horizontal evolution, but there is also vertical evolution; evolution that values working within the parameters of the conventional—using arrangements of ever- increasing intricacy, but not at the expense of that constantly elusive musical commodity, swing.

Drummer

Tommy Igoe

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band take swing seriously and prove it on Eleven. demonstrating their collective understanding of vertical musical evolution on eleven (mostly) contemporary compositions. Pieces by

Mike Stern

guitar
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Stern,

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea,

Herbie Hancock

piano
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Hancock and

Michael Brecker

saxophone, tenor
1949 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Brecker are given breathtaking readings through refined arrangements teeming with compelling solos. Out of these mostly contemporary compositions,

Bobby Timmons

piano
1935 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Timmons' canonic "Moanin'" is a stone-cold standout.

Arranged by tenor saxophonist

Rob Middleton

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Rob Middleton, who also solos on the piece, Timmons' masterpiece is given a retro introduction before

Tom Kennedy

bass, electric
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Tom Kennedy's double bass leads into the familiar cotton field call-and-response with the reeds. The chorus features the harmonica of Rob Paparozzi, who can easily hold court with

Toots Thielemans

harmonica
1922 - 2016

" data-original-title="" title="">Toots Thielemans or

Hendrik Meurkens

harmonica
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Hendrik Meurkens. The reading is semi-standard, with ensemble interludes that complement Middleton well. All of the solos are superb, and the level of arranging and performance puts Tommy Igoe and the Birdland Big Band well ahead of other contemporary big band offerings.

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Track Listing

New Ground; Moanin'; Common Ground; Armando's Rhumba; Got A Match?; Spherical; Uncle Bob; On Fire; Butterfly; Open Invitation; Alma Llanera.

Personnel

Tommy Igoe

drums

Tommy Igoe: drums, percussion; Tom Kennedy: acoustic bass, electric bass; Kenny Ascher: piano; Chris Jaudes: trumpet; Nick Marchione: trumpet; John Walsh: trumpet; Raul Agraz: trumpet; Glenn Drewes: trumpet; Isrea Butler: trombone; Andy Hunter: trumbone; Jeff Nelson: bass trombone; Nathan Childers: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Matt Hong: alto saxophone,flute; Dan Willis: tenor saxophone, flute; Rob Middleton: tenor saxophone, flute; Barbara Cifelli: baritone saxophone, flute;Rob Paparozzi: harmonica (2); Hector Martignon: piano (8); Rolando Morales-Matos: percussion, vibes (1, 6, 8, 9, 11).

Album information

Title: Eleven | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Self Produced

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