MIKE BARONE BIG BAND - METROPOLE (2006)
Big Band Jazz Straight ahead jazz, latin and ballads
Mike Barone: leader, composer, arranger, trombone solo (“Passe”); Lee Thornburg, Pete DeSiena, Bob Summers, Steve Huffsteter: trumpet; Kim Richmond, Keith Bishop: alto sax; Ernie Watts, Vince Trombetta: tenor sax; Brian Williams: baritone sax; Charlie Loper, Dick Hamilton, Bill Booth: trombone; Craig Gosnell: bass trombone; John Proulx: piano; Joel Hamilton: bass; Paul Kreibich: drums
7 Dat Dere
8 Passe
9 Flatfoot
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
review by Dr. Herb Wong courtesy Jazz Education Journal
This is a fine pro big band that rehearses weekly in Los Angeles. Very musical, it's one of a hughe cluster of exceptional Southern California big bands. Composer, arranger and trombonist Barone follows up his Live 2005! CD with ten new cuts. Beside familar tunes the likes of "Blues In The Night," "Nobody Else But Me," and "Dat Dere," the slate is enlarged with Barone's pieces such as the title tune, "Metropole" (named after the Metropole Orchestra), and "Flatfoot."
The rhythm section precipitates a strong swing feel with absolute consistency--kudos to John Proulx, Joel Hamilton and Paul Kreibich. Solo highlights are aplenty--saxophonists Keith Bishop, Ernie Watts, Kim Richmond, Brian Williams and Vince Trombetta, plus trumpeters Steve Huffsteter, Bob Summers, and on lead, Lee Thornburg and Pet DeSienna.
A special treat is the grossly neglected beautiful song from 50 years ago, "Passé," which features a comely Barone trombone solo.
In sum, Barone's strengths are expressed in a CD packed with lyrical, creative charts, and in maintaining a regular corps of tom musicians. Need a new chart? Call Mike Barone.
