Big Band Beauty and Combo Creativity

By jazz journalist, Dee Dee McNeil

Right out of the gate, this big band races into the sound space with the fastest rendition of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” that I’ve ever heard. It was an exciting production with arrangements full of ebullition. Steve Sibley’s piano solo is impressive. Hats off to Eric Richards who is the arranger that transformed this tender ballad, elevating it to a maddening pace. The Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine is an 18-piece orchestra and has been a fixture in the southern California area for nearly four decades. The band’s leader, Ira B. Liss, is six-foot-seven-inches tall and like his music, he towers head and shoulders above other local bands as a leader and producer.

“Early Autumn” is arranged by Tom Kubis and features Eric Marienthal wailing away on alto saxophone. It’s a lovely ballad, and Marienthal brings a visceral presence, especially once the tune is double-timed and the big band swings it into a power-house production. Janet Hammer is lead vocalist on “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” and her smooth presentation also transforms to become a harmonic addition to the horn section. Bob Mintzer’s original composition, “When the Lady Dances,” is a strong swing tune with an intricate melody line and lots of punchy horns that dance along harmonically and inspire the rhythm section. Special guest, Holly Hofmann, captures the essence of “Nature Boy“ with an inspired flute solo. Drummer, Charlie McGhee, is the star on “Recon” an original composition by Dean Brown. McGhee steals the spotlight during his drum solo and beyond. All in all, every track on this CD is well produced and delightfully arranged. If you are a lover of big band music, this is the ultimate box of chocolates. Each tune becomes a unique and pleasant surprise.