GORDON GOODWIN´S BIG PHAT BAND — Swingin' for the Fences (2000) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Saxophonist Gordon Goodwin (heard on this CD on alto and soprano) has loved big bands since he was a child. He arranged all of the music for his 18-piece big band's release, contributing nine of the ten compositions (all but Bach's "Two Part Invention in D Minor") and getting several notable guest soloists to make appearances. The music is mostly modern mainstream, swinging while utilizing some advanced harmonies. There are a few departures including "Sing Sang Sung" (a number based a bit on "Sing Sing Sing"), the Bach selection, a couple Latin jazz pieces, and the funky "There's the Rub" and "A Few Good Men." Among the main soloists from the orchestra are Goodwin, trombonist Andy Martin, pianist Tom Ranier, and tenorman Dan Higgins. The guests (on two songs apiece) are trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, and altoists Eric Marienthal and Brandon Fields. Fans of contemporary big bands will find much to enjoy on this fun set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Sing Sang Sung 5:35
Soloist – Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels
2    Count Bubba 7:33
Soloist – Dan Higgins, Gordon Goodwin
3    Samba Del Gringo 6:59
Soloist – Andy Martin, Brandon Fields
4    Bach 2 Part Invention In D Minor 7:51
Composed By – J.S. Bach
Soloist – Eddie Daniels
5    I Remember 5:50
Soloist – Dan Higgins, Gordon Goodwin
6    Swingin' For The Fences 5:09
Soloist – Andy Martin, Eric Marienthal, Tom Ranier
7    Mueva Los Huesos (Shake Your Bones) 4:52
Soloist – Arturo Sandoval, Eric Marienthal
8    Second Chances 5:05
Soloist – Gordon Goodwin
9    There's The Rub 5:46
Soloist – Brandon Fields
10    A Few Good Men 3:54
Soloist – Carl Verheyen, Gordon Goodwin
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Dave Stone (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6)
Composed By, Arranged By – Gordon Goodwin (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 10)
Drums – Bernie Dresel (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 8), Gregg Bissonette (tracks: 2, 6, 7, 9, 10)
Electric Bass – John Peña (tracks: 3, 5, 7 to 10)
Guitar – Carl Verheyen (tracks: 10), Grant Geissman (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8), James Harrah (tracks: 3, 5, 7, 9, 10)
Percussion – Bernie Dresel (tracks: 1, 4), Luis Conte
Piano – Gordon Goodwin (tracks: 5, 7, 9, 10), Jim Cox (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 8), Tom Ranier (tracks: 2, 6)
Trombone – Alex Iles, Andy Martin, Bill Reichenbach (tracks: 2, 6, 7, 10), Craig Ware (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 8), Steve Holtman
Trumpet – Dan Savant, Dennis Farias (tracks: 1, 3 to5, 8), Gary Grant (tracks: 2, 6, 7, 10), Jerry Hey (tracks: 2, 6, 7, 10), Larry Hall, Wayne Bergeron
Woodwind – Bill Liston, Dan Higgins, Gordon Goodwin, Greg Huckins, Sal Lozano

JOE PASS — My Song (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

During his last years guitarist Joe Pass often used the same unit on a regular basis, one that he had utilized to record his classic For Django, back in 1963. For this pleasing effort John Pisano offers some suitable rhythm guitar while bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Colin Bailey are typically tasteful in support. Tom Ranier is an important addition to the quartet, having one outing apiece on tenor, clarinet, and soprano while playing piano on the remaining tracks. Joe Pass naturally emerges as the main star, interpreting nine standards and two of his originals with taste, hard-driving swing, and creativity within the bop tradition. Pass made so many recordings during the 20 years preceding this date that it is difficult to call any one of them "definitive," but this is an excellent group effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Rockin' in Rhythm 6:00
Harry Carney / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
2     Azure 7:17
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
Clarinet – Tom Ranier
3     Keepin' Out of Mischief Now 7:39
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
4     Ah Moore 4:08
Al Cohn
5     I Can't Kick 6:11
Tom Ranier
Tenor Saxophone – Tom Ranier
6     Rockin' Chair 3:52
Hoagy Carmichael
Tenor Saxophone – Tom Ranier
7     Song for Ellen 3:23
Joe Pass
8     Jitterbug Waltz 8:06
Richard Maltby, Jr. / Fats Waller
9     The Duke 5:42
Dave Brubeck
10     Jo-Wes 3:25
John Pisano
11     Ain't Misbehavin' 6:12
Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
Credits :
Bass – Jim Hughart
Clarinet – Tom Ranier (faixas: 2)
Drums – Colin Bailey
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Tom Ranier
Rhythm Guitar – John Pisano
Soprano Saxophone – Tom Ranier (faixas: 6)
Tenor Saxophone – Tom Ranier (faixas: 5)