We are fortunate, in these parts, to have two (count 'em, two) superb big bands...the Nanaimo Musicians' Association (NMA) Big Band and the Mt. Arrowsmith Big Band (out of Qualicum Beach). On Thursday Jan. 21st, Arrowsmith made the trek southward and performed at the Malaspina Theatre on the Vancouver Island University (VIU) campus, and by all accounts it was a great show. Unfortunately the Doctor (moi) couldn't make it to the gig, which featured the compositions and arrangements of Greg Bush (Professor of Jazz Studies at VIU) and the vocal stylings of Lauren Bush (yes, his daughter). Greg pens a fine chart, and you should check out his website at http://gregorybush.com His cd, "Cause and Effect" is pretty darned solid too...do pick it up and have a listen.
I think it is about tome these two groups, the NMA and Arrowsmith, performed together at say...the Port Theatre here in Nanaimo. Bill it as a "Battle of the Big Bands"...each band plays a set, then they combine at the end for a massive epic number. This is an idea with merit, and with the recent successes of the NMA at the "Pygmy Ballroom Big Band Swing Celebration" held here in November 09, it proves that there might just be a market waiting to be tapped...
Bright moments...
CHARLES MINGUS - MINGUS AH UM - BETTER GET IT IN YOUR SOUL
KIRK MACDONALD QUARTET - SONGBOOK VOL. 1 - NEW PIECE
NIMMONS N' NINE PLUS SIX - THE SOUND OF JAZZ SERIES - EMILY
BRENT JARVIS - DAEDALUS: POETRY BY DOROTHY LIVESAY - ALIENATION
DON THOMPSON QUARTET - FOR KENNY WHEELER - K.T.T.
PJ PERRY CAMPBELL RYGA - JOINED AT THE HIP - ROYAL TEASE
GREG BUSH QUINTET - CAUSE AND EFFECT - ONE FOR WOODY
OLIVER NELSON - THE BLUES AND THE ABSTRACT TRUTH - STOLEN MOMENTS
DAVE TURNER - EARTH TONES - THE FEELING OF JAZZ
STEVE JONES - CHESTER'S WALTZ - DORITOS AND SHIRAZ
VEJI - V - THANK YOU VERY MUCH
ED PALERMO BIG BAND - EDDY LOVES FRANK - ECHIDNA'S ARF (OF YOU)
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