The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band
'A Perfect Match
© 2003 Writegroove Productions (783707646824)
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Swinging big band co-led by former Kenton arranger Mark Taylor and drummer Steve Fidyk. "Their new Cd is powerful, fresh, honest and a lot of fun to listen to. The playing is superlative and the writing is great. Mark Taylor, Steve Fidyk and company are
tracks
- 1 The Gorillaman Blues
- 2 Lullaby of Birdland
- 3 Full Count
- 4 Chelsea Bridge
- 5 Brush Taps
- 6 Granada Smoothie
- 7 Boptitude Test
- 8 After You've Gone
- 9 Soft Skies
- 10 Kansas City
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notes
Some notes from the CD:
"I first heard Steve Fidyk play when he came to Washington, D.C. to be the drummer for 'The Army Blues.' I remember thinking then, 'What a swingin' drummer!' A few years later I had been considering doing a recording of my charts and out of the blue after a gig Steve approached me and said, 'What do you think about recording a CD together?' I immediately replied, 'You get the band and I'll bring the charts!'
"So in April and August of 2002 we went into our favorite studio, Bias Recording, for 2 nights of recording the debut CD of 'The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band!'
"This band is made up of some of the best players in the D.C. area and I couldn't have asked for a better performance of my music. The energy in the studio was amazing and from the first note to the last this band came out swinging! Of course as any big band fan knows you need a great drummer to make that happen and Steve took charge from the start. Many thanks to Steve, Bob Dawson, and the band for a writer's dream come true!"
Mark Taylor
"A Perfect Match" represents a journey that began over 20 years ago when I was first introduced to the music of Mark Taylor. An alumnus of the arranging staff of the Stan Kenton Band, Taylor contributed two big band anthems to his library: Samba Da Haps and Granada Smoothie.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mark on a daily basis as a member of The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble. As a colleague, I slowly began to understand the intricacies of accompanying and shaping his music. Like Kenton, his writing is harmonically and rhythmically innovative with an emphasis on "the groove."
It is my distinct honor and privilege to share the leadership duties with Mark on this recording. The music for this project was thoughtfully chosen and represents his finest work. I hope you agree.
Steve Fidyk
What they are saying about the Taylor/Fidyk Big Band:
"The Taylor/Fidyk Big Band is a welcome addition to today's music scene. Their new CD is powerful, fresh, and honest, and a lot of fun to listen to ... the playing is superlative and the writing is great. Mark Taylor, Steve Fidyk and company are indeed a "perfect match."
Peter Erskine
"This is a great band ! Taylor is superb arranger/composer with years of experience" Fidyk is a top of the line jazz drummer in the Mel Lewis tradition.
Phil Wilson
"It's rare in this day and age to hear a band that has both an instrumental and compositional identity, and this band has it: great solo and ensemble playing of great arrangements."
Ed Soph
reviews
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Two thumbs up
author: PeterLThis CD is fabulous. The arrangements are great with performances to match. Lullaby of Birdland is brilliant, and best of all these arrangements are available for purchase so you can play them in your own big band.
great CD!
author: AndersMan...these guys can swing! Fidyk is a monster! Lullaby of Birdland is great. Keep up the hard work guys.
Excellent! Must have.
author: Keith Walls, OrlandoTerrific CD, and “must have” for modern Big Band fans. I became aware of this and their previous CD “A Perfect Match” from work Arranger/Conductor Mark Taylor did with most of these players on the “Capitol Bones Big Band: A Stan Kenton Christmas” project. These musicians are all world class, in every respect. Mark Taylor’s charts seem very fresh and exciting, and the fact that it was recorded live is a big plus.
This a milestone for Taylor,Fidyk, and Big Band!
author: Neal "Nesta" TaylorI have heard my dad's music since day one, but until A Perfect Match I never relised the magic he creates w/his arrangements. The rhythmic foundation is laid,thanks to Steve, and the rest is Smokin! Truely a milestone for Big Band music, and our family.
Fantastic Big Band Jazz CD!
author: Ken BourI love this band! Tune selections are fun, listenable, and played at swinging tempos with terrific chart arrangements. As an amateur drummer, I found out about this CD after becoming acquainted with the name, Steve Fidyk. I enjoy his playing style: great chops, in the pocket rhythms/kicks, and tasteful, interesting, solo fills. I can't wait to learn start playing along... Fabulous musicians on the date and outstanding audio engineering. I think my personal favorite track is "Brush Taps", but I recommend the entire album highly! This was my first purchase through CDBaby and that was an excellent experience as well.
You must have this CD if you love music!
author: Dominick CucciaThe perfect band, the perfect charts and the perfect drummer! Mark Taylors charts are second to none, the band sounds as close to perfect as I can imagine and Steve Fidyk not only plays the musical solos, but is as smooth a drummer as you'll ever hear. If you love music you must have this CD!
Excellent Big Band Sound
author: Matthew MillerThe CD is amazing. I enjoy every minute of it. The bands sound is so powerful and thick. Steve Fidyk is really laying down some great grooves. It's a slaming CD. . .I'm ready for MORE!
Great work Mark, thanks.
author: Manuel Castaneda, Jr.Great work Mark and all the rest of the the group. Really helped in my teaching. Thanks
Sensational!
author: Thomas Treichler,SwitzerlandSuperb charts in the Basie / Herman vein, great tight band, first class soloists and a terrific drummer. In short: A spectacular recording, a must buy for big band lovers.
SUPERB ARRANGEMENTS AND EXCELLENT MUSICAINSHIP!
author: www.petelazos.comTHIS CD IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. EVERY TRACK IS WONDERFUL. DRUM SOUND IS PEREFECT, EVERY PLAYERS PERFORMANCE IS HEARTFELT PERFECTION. SONGO,SWING,ETC ALL DONE WITH THAT BIG BAND SOUND.
Fabulous!!!!!!!!!!
author: Denise in NashvilleI have been looking for some good instrumental big band music for a long time and you guys really did it for me. I would definitely say it is A Perfect Match!!!! Thanks!
Everyone who loves big bands should buy this swinger.
author: Don BollhorstQuite an impressive tight group with great new modern big band sounds. Excellent solo work and a great drummer.
Excellent! Buy it!
author: Bob DainWhat an excellent recording by a superior group of musicians!!! I urge you to buy it! You won't regret it! You will want to use all those exclamation points, too.
- author: Bob Fieldds
Absolutely outstanding! The type of sound I really enjoy. I was so impressed I even put favorable remarks on the Kentonia Group site which has 252 members. Liesel's lead trumpet work is terrific! Fan of Stan, Bob Fields
This is what a big band in the 21st century should sound like!
author: Anthony J. "Tony" Agostinelli-retired university professorMark Taylor's chart's are monsters...the band plays them in world-class fashion...the sound is high-tech..and the band swings its socks off!
Excellent recording job, swinging, well played, tight
author: Jeff ThompsonExcellently recorded, modern big band jazz that retains a swinging sound throughout. Very well played, with tight ensemble work. Special mention of lead trumpet work by Liesel Whitaker. My faves are the slow build up of dynamics and ensemble for a deliberately paced After You've Gone, Matt Niess' trombone on Soft Skies and the battle of 3 trombonists on Kansas City. Jim McFalls agressive trombone solo is just right for Granada Smoothie.