Farber, Andy and his Orchestra: This Could be the Start of Something Big

He has worked with some of the biggest names in the recording industry including Bobby Short, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, B.B. King and Stevie Wonder but Andy Farber has never led his own orchestra until now. This Could Be the Start of Something Big features some fantastic playing courtesy of Andy Farber and his Orchestra. Listening to this recording just might take you back in time to the '30s and '40s when swinging big band music was king of the radio.

Farber, (flute, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones) has assembled no less than seventeen players, not including a few special guests, and while you will find some great brass solos it is never at the expense of the rest of the ensemble as this is a total band effort. No one individual controls the spotlight and that is exactly how ensemble playing should be. Farber takes the listener on a musical journey to a land of classic jazz standards of blues and swing and even throws in the occasional original composition.

The album begins with "Bombers", a fitting tribute to Count Basie and a strong opening track. The goodness continues with some slower sultry playing in the romantic "Body & Soul" and the swinging "Midnight, the Stars & You" which includes an excellent flute solo. More swinging grooves can be found in "This Could Be the Start of Something Big" featuring the soulful vocals of John Hendricks who sounds a bit like Louis Armstrong. "Space Suit" features the fabulous piano of Kenny Ascher while "It Is What It Is", a Farber original, is a fine jazz blues tune with excellent brass throughout. Of course, the brass sounds all over this disc are nothing short of superb.

If swing is your thing you will absolutely love this disc. For Andy Farber, this really could be the start of something big. Enjoy.

Track Listing:
1. Bombers (4:19)
2. Space Suit (4:50)
3. Body & Soul (3:55)
4. This Could Be the Start of Something Big (3:48)
5. It Is What It Is (5:16)
6. Broadway (4:08)
7. Roll 'Em Pete (3:50)
8. Midnight, the Stars & You (4:53)
9. 52nd Street Theme (4:26)
10. Short Yarn (4:33)
11. The Man I Love (3:53)
12. High Anxiety (3:41)
13. Jack the Bellboy (4:23)
14. Seems Like Old Times (4:19)

Added: December 5th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2429
Language: english

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