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The John La Barbera Big Band: Grooveyard

By Nicholas F. Mondello
August 20, 2023
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The John La Barbera Big Band: Grooveyard

The geometry, if you will, of a terrific big band recording is such that the three major elements—the players, the arrangements, and the performance—balance in every regard. Grooveyard from the

John La Barbera

composer / conductor
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">John La Barbera Big Band is such an offering. The album features ten masterfully selected, arranged, and performed selections, each containing outstanding section, solo, and ensemble playing.

Wes Montgomery

guitar
1923 - 1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Montgomery's "Grooveyard" launches a hip, swinging first course in which tenor man

Pat La Barbera

saxophone
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat La Barbera and guitarist Brandon Coleman provide fine solos. The upbeat momentum continues with the serendipitous melody and

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea-like feel of "My New Summer Samba."

Dave Brubeck

piano
1920 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Brubeck's salute to his spouse, the lovely waltz "Iola," is a showcase for pianist

Renee Rosnes

piano
b.1962

" data-original-title="" title="">Renee Rosnes (who shines here and throughout the session). Long a Mancini acolyte, La Barbera's "Thanks Hank" is a slick hat-tip to

Henry Mancini

composer / conductor
1924 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Mancini and that Master's stylings. Close your eyes and you are at a '50s smoke-filled "Mother's."

La Barbera, who earned his "made man" status writing extensively for the

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich Band, possesses a superb arranging style in which there is a surprise around every corner. He shrewdly presents material to these New York A-Listers which challenges and encourages them, and they respond with vigor. Unlike his Rich material which framed the firebrand, these arrangements offer extensive use of woodwind colorings and slick orchestration doublings. One example among many is the Latin "Choro Para Thiago" in which clarinetists Juan Ruiz and Sam Sadigursky present melodic joy, even offering two sly

Dizzy Gillespie

trumpet
1917 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Dizzy Gillespie tune nods—"And Then She" and Salt Peanuts."

In addition to the fine woodwind and brass section playing, lead trumpeter

John Chudoba

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">John Chudoba and lead trombonist Ryan Keberle forge things ahead. The outstanding rhythm section of Rosnes,

Rufus Reid

bass, acoustic
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Rufus Reid, and brother

Joe La Barbera

drums
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe La Barbera provides dynamic energy throughout. A magnanimous leader, La Barbera offers extensive opportunities for soloists to shine. Trumpeter

Brandon Lee

trumpet
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Brandon Lee does just that on La Barbera's "Messenger"-like original, "K's Delight." "Mandatory Blues" is a "Tom Cat" creeper, offering great solos from

Steve Wilson

saxophone
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Wilson and

Clay Jenkins

trumpet
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Clay Jenkins.

Elvin Jones

drums
1927 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Elvin Jones "Keiko's Birthday March" is a flat-out burner which showcases drummer Joe La Barbera's paradiddling, with sibling Pat parrying away furiously and delivering a perfectly apropos closer.

"Grooveyard" is a supremely inviting and enthusiastic romp. It is well-balanced in every way and possesses subtleties which surprise, intrigue, and encourage multiple aural visits.

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Track Listing

Grooveyard; My New Summer Samba; For Iola; Thanks Hank; Tranesome; Choro Para Thiago; K��s Delight; Mandatory Blues; Sweetness; Keiko��s Birthday March.

Personnel

John La Barbera

composer / conductor

Steve Wilson

saxophone

Erica von Kleist

saxophone

Pat La Barbera

saxophone

Sam Sadigursky

clarinet

Andy Gutauskas

woodwinds

John Chudoba

trumpet

Brian Pareschi

trumpet

Brandon Lee

trumpet

Clay Jenkins

trumpet

Ryan Keberle

trombone

Mike Davis

cornet

Sara Jacovino

trombone

David Taylor

drums

Brandon Scott Coleman

guitar

Renee Rosnes

piano

Rufus Reid

bass, acoustic

Frank Gravis

bass, electric

Kiko Sebrian

drums

Joe La Barbera

drums

Additional Instrumentation

Steve Wilson: flute; Erika Von Kleist: flute; Pat La Barbera: soprano saxophone; Sam Sadigursky: clarinet; Andy Gutauskas: bass clarinet; Juan Ruiz: clarinet (6); Brian Pareschi: Lead (7,9); Mike Davis: Lead (7); Renee Rosnes: keyboards;

Album information

Title: Grooveyard | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Origin Records

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