CD Review: Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine: Tasty Tunes

The Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine has been around for 39 years. The band originates from San Diego, Southern California, and consists of 18 musicians, led by Ira B. Liss. Up to now they have released 5 CDs, and they keep the music swinging and creative. This time they were amplified with guest artists such as saxophonist Bob Mintzer (Yellowjackets), saxophonist Eric Marienthal, flutist Holly Hofmann and guitarist Dean Brown. And there are covers of jazz classics and some original tracks on the album. Take eg. opening track and classic 'You Do not Know what Love Is', but performed here in fast-paced, followed by a sultry 'Early Autumn'. Sometimes the tracks are sung by Janet Hammer, such as 'I Did not Know what Time it Was', 'Nature Boy' or 'Ya Turn Me on Baby'. 'Manhattan Burn' does more modern, while on 'Over the Rainbow' two trumpets go into battle. 'Mountain Dance' is a cover of Dave Gruisin's hit. Valve 'Recon' is an original track by Dean Brown and sounds a bit more fusion. Not bad.

Patrick Van de Wiele (3½)