Collective Personnel:
Saxes: John Vermeulen, Jay Miglia, Bryan Olsheski, Joe Graziosi, Bob LeBeau, Matt Adams (10), Gordon Shaffer (12)
Trumpets: Erik Gimbel, Larry Everhart, Jim Powell, Bob Larson, Phil Winnard, Jack Schantz (4), Max Roach (4), Ben Huntoon (10), Warren Clark (9), Alan Paar (13)
Trombones: Ryan Hamilton, Matt Ellis, John Hall, Bill England (bass trombone), Jessica Sneeringer (1,2,5), Evan Oberla (11), Matt Smith (bass trombone) (12)
Tuba: Sean Maloney, Kie Watkins (4)
Horns: Scott Strohm, Tiffany Damicone, Mariah Cheyney (1,2,5), John Busic (3), Kristin Pruitt (4)
Rhythm: Derek DiCenzo, Aaron Quinn (1,2,5,7), Rob Smeets 13), Andrew Hartman (3) guitar - Larry Cook, bass - Steve Schaar, John von Ohlen (3) drums - Jim Luellen, Ed Cottle (6,12), Jon Eshelman (7) piano - Margie Coyle, percussion
Bill Holman, conductor (7)
"DREAMS COME TRUE" liner notes
in this issue we are proud to present three dazzling commissions we know you will enjoy.
First, BILL HOLMAN graciously agreed to restore for us his 1952 swinger, "BOO BOO BE DOOP." This irreverently titled jewel was written for Stan Kenton and has been missing for nearly 50 years. Thanks to Bill it's now a FAMOUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA exclusive!
Second, the illustrious, personable and immensely gifted BILL MATHIEU decided to write us a dedication to Holman. His eloquent essay, "THE WHOLE MAN," was premiered on September 24, 2007 on the occasion of Willis' fourth appearance with FJO. This stunning masterpiece would seem to mock Mathieu's remark that he's not written for big band in 45 years!
And finally, it was our friend ROLAND PAOLUCCI who suggested a co-comission to Holman for "THEME AND VARIATIONS #3." Good idea, Roland! This recording is of the official premier performance, with Mr. Holman leading the band. (Roland and I shake hands a lot...What a pal!)
Still more DREAMS COME TRUE...
Our buddy CHAS BAKER at Kent State thought we might attempt to persuade the extraordinary MARK LOPEMAN to prepare a performance version of “SPRINGSVILLE” after the Gil Evans arrangement. Mark has generously donated this luminous transcription to FJO’s library. We know you’ll agree it’s perfect with JIM POWELL in the solo role!
As far as I know, we one of the only two orchestras playing JOHN HALL’s “DEARLY BEFUDDLED,” the other being the Carl Saunders Band out in LA. Pretty good company! We not only play the chart, but we’ve got John Hall!
We are so pleased to have become acquainted with JOE COCCIA, a most amiable gentleman living in Cranston, Rhode Island. Here are two of his charts, both written in 1957 for Stan’s band. I am personally overjoyed to be playing Joe’s beautiful arrangement of “WALKIN’ BY THE RIVER,” one of the lovliest charts I’ve ever heard. Yes folks, a DREAM COME TRUE!
“MON AMI JOBIM” is from the pen of Cleveland’s musical wizard, PAUL FERGUSON.
Everything else on this record was the result of further acts of generosity. Let us acknowledge John Vermeulen, Jim Powell and especially our friend out in LA, Larry Robison for the wealth of rarely-played gems heard on the disc.
It’s inspiring to have such an array of soloists. We know you’ll be thrilled by BRYAN OLSHESKI, JAY MIGLIA and JIM LUELLEN. Young JOE GRAZIOSI has been a force of energy and delight to the whole band. And just wait till you hear DEREK DiCENZO on “ORANGE SHERBET!” Too much!!
Special thanks go, as always, to the trusty TOM JOHNSON, our sound/light/recording guy. Don’t these takes sound great?
The cover art, “THE LAND OF FAR OUT,” is by Ann Starr
Thanks to all our friends, particularly those who pitch in now and then to help us make something nice happen – notably the bright-eyed MARGIE COYLE, whose generosity is boundless!
But, as we all know, this whole thing belongs outright to BECKY OGDEN, who with her fabulous COLUMBUS MUSIC HALL has really made all these DREAMS COME TRUE!
Best wishes, thanks and regards to all from the FAMOUS JAZZ ORCHESTRA, thanks for listening and may all YOUR dreams come true!
…and don’t take no wooden nickels…
Read more...