Sooooo...I think most everyone is familiar with Nat Pierce. It's fair to say that at this point in his career, he has mastered the big band genre. Pierce spent most of his career being (unfairly) criticized as a Basie clone. This album shows that he is so much more. Of course, any big band will give The Count a big healthy nod, but I think between his book and the stellar arrangements, Pierce IS his own man.
The material is what really stands out on this one. Wonderfully varied and fresh, it's clear the band are stoked to be playing these numbers. Standouts for me are Buck Clayton's Chops, Fingers and Sticks and the Billy Preston ballad, You Are So Beautiful.
The soloing really moves around from chair to chair. Capp and Pierce clearly wanted everyone to have a voice. Check the track listing on the back cover for solo details on each tune. I give the nod to Pete Christlieb and Marshal Royal, they just sound fantastic and spirited. Of course the ensemble work is wildly tight and inspiring, a real joy to listen to. Overall a fun and enjoyable side by a seasoned group of players. Not a typical big band album by any means.
CJ-183 is of course mint. Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC...let your backbone slide Cryptheads!! Enjoy!!
Concord Jazz (CJ-183)
1982
Recorded in Hollywood, CA - Oct/Nov 1981
Frank Capp (drums); Nat Pierce (piano); Ernie Andrews (vocals);
Bill Green (soprano & baritone saxophones);
Marshal Royal, Joe Roccisano, Jackie Kelso (alto saxophone);
Pete Christlieb, Bob Cooper, Bob Efford (tenor saxophone);
Johnny Audino, Frank Szabo, Al Aarons, Warren Luening, Snooky Young, Bill Berry (trumpet);
Alan Kaplan, George Bohanon, Buster Cooper, Mel Wanzo (trombone);
Ray Pohlman (guitar); Bob Maize (bass).
