Album Notes

BOOK SIX!
Based on the heart of the Straight Ahead Big Band, the six member Straight Ahead Jazz Combo is available whenever the full 18-piece ensemble just won't fit, for whatever reason. Hence the name of this CD. The combo is Bob Hansen on piano, Tom Andrews on bass, Dave Barnett on drums, John Schlenz on trombone, Steve Fischer on alto, soprano & tenor saxes, Nancy Fischer on vocals, plus our good friend George Ireton subbing in on bass on a couple of tunes. The style of the music is firmly rooted in the great American standards, with room to stretch out and push those boundaries a bit. Basically if we think of a tune we'd like to play, we try to find a lead sheet and fit the tune into the repertoire. That way we can play a nice variety, and everybody can find something they like to stretch out a little on solos. You'll note that half the tracks on the CD are vocals. (I didn't know if that's too many, and it might have been more if Nancy had had her way, but my aunt & uncle said they particularly like hearing Nancy without the all brass competition of the big band, so maybe the mix is just right.) We did this recording just like the big band CDs; we set up in the studio one evening, turned on some mics and played tunes. We balanced the levels a little bit, and what you hear is what we do. The sharp-eyed will note that the tunes are even in alphabetical order except the last two. We ended it that way for what we think is a nice touch. Nancy sings "I'll Be Seeing You" for her late mom; and we dedicate it also to Bob's late mother, my grandparents, Phil Ford, Bob Corella, and so many other good friends and relatives that we lose too soon and miss often. However, this isn't meant to be a sad CD by any means. We do this because it's fun. I think you can hear that in the music, whether it's one of the old favorites or something you've never heard before. Relax and enjoy, because that's what we're doing here. Whether you crave the Great American Song Book, sophisticated swing, or cool jazz, you'll find something about this CD to put a smile on your mind. So put this CD in your player and dance around the kitchen, or close your eyes and imagine being in that intimate little club where the martinis are perfect.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Please check out our web site at www.straightaheadbigband.com. And buy several CDs - collect the whole set! They make great gifts when it's hard to figure out what to give to a friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker, teacher, student, mail deliverer, cleric, mechanic...

Thanks.