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Andy Farber and His Orchestra: This Could Be The Start Of Something Big

By Bruce Lindsay
October 30, 2010
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Andy Farber and His Orchestra: This Could Be The Start Of Something Big

The sight and sound of one of the classic big bands in full flight must have been something to behold. For those fans of big band jazz who never got to experience such a thing, as well as for those who did and remember it fondly, Andy Farber And His Orchestra bring the sound back with a bang on This Could Be The Start Of Something Big.

Saxophonist Farber arranged and conducted all of the tunes, as well as writing four numbers. As a former member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Musical Director, arranger or conductor for

Jon Hendricks

vocals
1921 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Hendricks,

Joe Lovano

drums
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Lovano,

Shirley Horn

piano
1934 - 2005

" data-original-title="" title="">Shirley Horn and

B.B. King

guitar, electric
1925 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">B.B. King, to name just a few, Farber's credentials for this project are strong. He takes what drummer

Alvester Garnett

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Alvester Garnett, who wrote the liner notes, terms an "Ellingtonian aesthetic" of writing for specific players, while emphasizing the ensemble rather than soloists. The approach works superbly here—the soloists are impressive, but it's the sound of the full 18-piece band that really leaves a lasting, positive, impression.

It says much about Farber's writing and arranging skills that his own compositions sit happily alongside those of

George Gershwin

composer / conductor
1898 - 1937

" data-original-title="" title="">George Gershwin or

Lionel Hampton

vibraphone
1908 - 2002

" data-original-title="" title="">Lionel Hampton. "Short Yarn" is a smooth, Latin-tinged, danceable, number with a mellow clarinet solo from Dan Block. "Bombers"—named for one of the baseball teams formed by members of the

Count Basie

piano
1904 - 1984

" data-original-title="" title="">Count Basie band—has a feel-good swing of which Basie would be proud, while "Space Suit" is more obviously informed by

Duke Ellington

piano
1899 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Duke Ellington's approach.

Farber arranges George and

Ira Gershwin

composer / conductor
1896 - 1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Ira Gershwin's "The Man I Love" as an up-tempo, swinging, showstopper of a tune: Block, Farber and tenor saxophonist Marc Phaneuf each contribute classy, driving, solos. Hampton's "Jack the Bellboy" roars out of the speakers, the band in full flight from start to finish. Farber gives Mel Brooks' "High Anxiety" a Broadway treatment, with Garnett's gently swinging drums and Kenny Ascher's cool piano setting up Kenny Rampton's trumpet solo.

Hendricks guests on

Steve Allen

composer / conductor
1921 - 2000

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Allen's "This Could be the Start of Something Big"—bringing back memories of Hendricks' version on Recorded In Person At The Trident (Smash Records, 1963)—and

Pete Johnson

piano
1904 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Pete Johnson's "Roll 'em Pete." His voice may lack the precision of yesteryear but his enthusiasm and swing remain undiminished.

This Could Be The Start Of Something Big doesn't steer the big band into any new territory, but it certainly emphasizes its vitality and relevance. Farber's Orchestra swings like a big band should, whether playing standards or interpreting Farber's originals. It's a terrific ensemble, with a strong and engaging sound.

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Track Listing

Bombers; Space Suit; Body and Soul; This Could be the Start of Something Big; It Is What It Is; Broadway; Roll 'em Pete; Midnight, the Stars and You; 52nd Street Theme; Short Yarn; The Man I Love; High Anxiety; Jack the Bellboy; Seems Like Old Times.

Personnel

Andy Farber

saxophone

Andy Farber: alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute; Chuck Wilson: alto saxophone; Jay Brandford: alto saxophone; Dan Block: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Marc Phaneuf: tenor saxophone; Kurt Bacher: baritone saxophone; Brian Paresi; Bob Grillo: guitar; Kenny Ascher: piano; Jennifer Vincent: bass; Alvester Garnett: drums; Mark Sherman: vibraphone (8); Jon Hendricks: vocals (4, 7); John Hendricks & Co Singers (4, 7): Aria Hendricks, Kevin Fitzgerald Burke; Jerry Dodgion: alto saxophone (6).

Album information

Title: This Could Be The Start Of Something Big | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Black Warrior

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