V.S.O.P. #25 Andex S 3004 THE BILL HOLMAN BIG BAND: IN A JAZZ ORBIT

Original Master Version

Al Porcino, Ed Leddy, Jack Sheldon, Conte Candoli (trumpets);

Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana, Ray Sims (trombones);

Charlie Mariano, Herb Geller, Richie Kamuca, Charlie Kennedy, Bill Hood (saxes);

Victor Feldman (piano), Buddy Clark (bass), Mel Lewis (drums), Bill Holman (leader, arranger).

Recorded February 11, 12, 13, 1958 at Radio Recorders. Engineer: Bones Howe.

"Kissin' Bug" (Billy Strayhorn, Rex Stewart, Joya Sherrill) (4:12)

"The Man I Love" (Geo., Ira Gershwin) (3:56)

"Goodbye" (Gordon Jenkins) (3:28)

"You Go To My Head" (Jay Fred Coots, Haven Gillispie) (6:15)

"After You've Gone" (Henry Creamer, Turner Layton) (2:43)

"Far Down Below" (Bill Holman) (4:17)

"No Heat" (Bill Holman) (6:06)

"Theme & Variations #2" (Bill Holman) (4:29)

"Aura" (Bill Holman) (4:46)

This is possibly one of the finest big band recordings of all time. It received a 5 star rating when reviewed in Downbeat. All charts are by Bill Holman. Great stereo recording by Bones Howe. This CD version uses the original master tape that was employed to cut the record when it was first released. Up until now, the CD we offered was cut from the session tapes. This Cd has the original EQ and dynamics. (If the session version is preferred, it is available as a digital download and stream.) The differences between the two versions is certainly noticeable, but is entirely a matter of taste. As a simple rule, the session tape version will probably sound best on a high end stereo system, that has been set up for optimum audio experience.

Other Sources for CD: City Hall Records

                                  Amoeba

                                  Amazon