Recorded in Vancouver in 1963 and 1965 these recently discovered tracks feature musicians who, at the time, were the crème de la crème of Vancouver jazz and had they been alive today they would probably still be. As it is, not many are still with us. Bassist Don Thompson and trumpeter Don Clark are two of the survivors and are interviewed by Cory Weeds in the booklet which provides an interesting insight into the band, the musicians and the jazz scene in Vancouver in the early '60s.
As a big band album it's an absolute cracker. Although west coast orientated it demonstrates how this band from Canada's west coast could hold its own against American counterparts such as Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. Even Basie must have been looking over his shoulder.
The biggest hitters are MacPherson on tenor and flute, pianist Gage, leader Robbins on trombone, Quarin on alto, Clark, Forrest and Barnett on trumpets and, of course, the majestic Thompson on bass backed up by Johnson's drums.
I may hear a more swinging band afore Michaelmas is past but I'm not holding my breath.
Listen to a couple of tracks on BANDCAMP prior to release on March 21. Lance
Jazz Workshop Theme (March Winds Blow); Happy Faces; Playa del Ray; Minority; Have Vine Will Swing; Westcoasting; Asiatic Raes; Reflections; Canto de Oriole; March Winds Blow; Spring is Here; Sixes & Sevens; Jazz Workshop Theme (March Winds Blow)
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