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”.
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