Re: Big Band Discussion
The Gordon Goodwin Band has some of the tightest individual sections in the world. Hunting Wabbits is a good showcase of how perfect the saxes are together in that band. The entire section sounds like one horn. One thing I think I would like better is if the lead alto played out more, and took a little more initiative to set the style. I think the lead trumpet's a bully. Hehe, just my opinion.
In my opinion I think the best band out there right now is the Village Vanguard Band. Just because the band that they followed, and what they stand for. Something I really like about that band is that there aren't players in there that just read music. All of them are world class improvisers. Quite a few of the players(Rich Perry, Dick Oatts, Scott Wendholt to name a few) have groups on their own, and make their own CDs in addition to touring with the band. Pick up some Oatts CDs.
Talking about the Vanguard band reminds me of a great CD I bought: Chris Potter: Live at the Village Vanguard. The band doesn't actually play, it's just Potter's group, but this disc will absolutely blow your mind.
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