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David Robbins: Happy Faces

By Pierre Giroux
March 27, 2025
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The release of Happy Faces by the

Dave Robbins

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Robbins Big Band is a landmark event in Vancouver, B.C. jazz history. More than a mere archival recording, this revelatory issue celebrates the enduring legacy of a seminal figure who shaped the course of large ensemble jazz in Canada and beyond. Robbins, a trombonist, composer and visionary band leader, was a creative force whose contributions still resonate today.

From the opening moments of the title track, "Happy Faces," a composition by

Sonny Stitt

saxophone
1924 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Stitt and arranged by

Quincy Jones

arranger
1933 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Quincy Jones, the band swings with elegance buoyed by tight ensemble work and fluid interplay. Tenor saxophonist

Fraser MacPherson

saxophone, tenor
b.1928

" data-original-title="" title="">Fraser MacPherson delivers a stellar solo. Bassist

Paul Ruhland

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Ruhland composed "Playa del Ray," and it has echos of the

Gil Evans

composer / conductor
1912 - 1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Gil Evans large orchestra recordings filled with harmonic sophistication and rhythmic complexity. There are noteworthy solos from pianist

Chris Gage

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Gage and Robbins and MacPherson.

The "Minority" on offer here is not the well-known

Gigi Gryce

saxophone
1927 - 1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Gigi Gryce composition, but one penned by Vancouver-based Al MacMillan. It is meticulously crafted, unafraid to explore rhythmic complexity, providing space for trumpeter

Don Clarke

trumpet and vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Clarke's muted solo. Another MacMillan composition is "Westcoasting," which is a barn burner propelled by drummer

Al Johnson

" data-original-title="" title="">Al Johnson's dynamic timekeeping. The brief but impressive alto sax solo is by

Dave Quarin

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Quarin. MacMillan continues his winning streak with his arrangement of "Asiatic Raes," a hard bop number by trumpeter

Kenny Dorham

trumpet
1924 - 1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Dorham a contrafact based on the chord changes on

Billy Strayhorn

piano
1915 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom." The brass and reed sections engage in a tight dialogue and perform expressive soloing as required.

An intriguing track sequence highlights Ruhland's "Reflections" and Dick Grove's "Canto de Oriole." Both pieces layer textures and colors with rich voicings and subtly shifting dynamics that uncover new depths with each listen. The latter, in particular, embodies the Evans Sketches of Spain (Columbia Records, 1960) vibe, with trumpeter

Bobby Hales

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Hales serving as an outstanding avatar for

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis. Although recorded decades ago, the music maintains a fresh, forward-looking quality. The arrangements anticipate contemporary large ensemble trends with bold harmonic language and adventurous structures. The closing track, "Africa Lights," brings full circle the musical intent of Dave Robbins, affirming his place as a trailblazer who helped define Vancouver's jazz identity.

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Track Listing

Jazz Workshop Theme; Happy Faces; Playa del Ray; Minority; Have Vine Will Swing; Westcoasting; Asiatic Raes; Reflections; Canto de Oriole; March Winds Blow; Spring Is Here; Sixes & Sevens; Africa Lights; Jazz Workshop Theme.

Personnel

David Robbins

trombone

Additional Instrumentation

Dave Robbins: leader, trombone; trumpets: trumpets:Steve Barnett, Arnie Chycoski, Carse Sneddon, Don Clark, Bobby Hales, Dick Forrest; Dave Quarin: alto sax; Fraser MacPherson: tenor sax, flute; Wally Snider: baritone sax, clarinet; Doug Kent: French horn; Chris Gage: piano; Don Thompson, Paul Ruhland: bass; Al Johnson: drums.

Album information

Title: Happy Faces | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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