Album review: WDR Big Band featuring John Goldsby - Big Band Bass (Bass Lion Publishing) - Take 2

Louisville born and raised bassist, John Goldsby’s latest release was recorded in 2024 with the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany. 

Led by  saxophonist/arranger Bob Mintzer, who also provided most of the arrangements, Goldsby began his 30 year stint  with the WDR in 1994 and has just retired from his post in the ensemble. All of the pieces, save one, are Goldsby originals arranged by Mintzer, as well as singular contributions from Vince Mendoza, Dave Horler and  Mike Abene. All of whom have guested with the WDR band over many years.

This collection boasts a varied array of material including heartfelt lyrical ballads, rollicking Brazilian grooves and uptempo flag wavers. All of which spotlight Goldsby’s statements of his original and poignant melodies and crafty soloing in equal measure.

Highlights for me include Vince Mendoza’s piece- Sonatinita, with its airy woodwind textures gently enveloping the woodiness of Goldsby’s bass resulting in an engaging simpatico amongst the two forces. Mintzer’s driving angle on The Baron’s Dilemma captures the classic “full on” big band spurring and stirring dynamic with a triumvirate of blazing tenorists, raising the ante at every turn. Plaudits to Paul Heller, Ben Fitzpatrick and the arranger himself on this “take no prisoners” saxophone firefest.

Arranger, Mike Abene’s use of woodwinds and muted brass on Sergio bring this Samba vehicle in 3/2 metre (in honour of a tour guide that he met in Salvador, Bahia) wonderfully. The ensemble treatment is matched with the composer’s melodically fleet soloing throughout.

Goldsby’s storied stint in NYC (1980-1994) had him working with the bands of Wynton Marsalis, Loren Schoenberg, Lionel Hampton, Gunther Schuller and the Smithsonian Masterworks Orchestra, Benny Goodman as well as Claude Bolling and Hubert Laws (on The Tonight Show, no less). All of whom benefitted from his empathy and solidarity in an ensemble, coupled with his individuality and creativity as a soloist. Like my good friend, the late Eddie Harvey, a British trombonist/pianist liked to tell his students. “Learn to be a good accompanist- there’s a lot of money in it”.

What’s particularly remarkable about Big Band Bass is Goldsby’s dual role in “driving the bus” in the band’s rhythm section along with being a featured soloist throughout. Not for the faint hearted. An exemplary recording for bassists and big band fans alike. Frank Griffith

SEE ALSO.

Sonatinita. In the Hills; Blue Balloon; Kléopatre’s Secret; You Can Call Him Maestro; Dahlia Gardens; The Baron's Dilemma; Sergio