Bill Watrous Big Band - Space Available (1997)

In the mid-1970s, trombonist Bill Watrous led a couple of notable big band albums for Columbia. Since relocating to the Los Angeles area in the '80s, Watrous has put together jazz orchestras on a part-time basis to play at local clubs. Finally, in 1997, a recording was released by the more recent version of the Bill Watrous Big Band. Featuring arrangements by Tom Kubis, Shelly Berg, Gordon Goodwin, Ken Kaplan and Frank Perowsky, the Double-Time set is largely straight-ahead but not exactly predictable. Most of the eight selections have their complex sections, but always swing. The warm-toned trombonist is the main soloist (fully showcased on "My Foolish Heart" and "My Romance"); powerhouse pianist Shelly Berg is the top supporting player, and other key voices include Gene Burkurt and Bill Liston on tenors, trumpeters Bob Summers and Steve Huffsteter, and altoist Sal Lozano. The music is as rewarding as one would expect, considering the caliber of these players, and is easily recommended to modern big-band fans. — Scott Yanow

Personnel:

Bill Watrous (trombone); Sal Lozano, Phil Feather, Bill Liston, Gene Burkurt, Bob Carr (saxophone); Dennis Farias, Wayne Bergeron, Bob Summers, Darrel Gardiner, Steve Huffsteter (trumpet); Doug Inman, Bob McChesney, Wendell Kelly, Rich Bullock (trombone); Shelly Berg (piano); Trey Henry (bass); Randy Drake (drums).

TRACK LIST:

1. Space Available (6:44) by Tom Kubis
This is a "Golden Oldie" by the pen of Tom Kubis. Written on the changes of "Blues My Naughty Sweetie," it features Bill Liston on tenor sax, and opens up with the superb Shelly Berg on piano. Randy Drake on drums boots it all home with my buddy Dennis Farias leading the brass section on the way out.
Solos: Shelly Berg, Bill Liston, Bill Watrous

2. The Road Goes Ever Onward (7:44) by Ken Kaplan
This Latin influenced piece has an interesting melodic flow, featuring Gene Burkurt on tenor sax. This chart is one of my favorites. The textures here are interesting and unusual for a big band chart.
Solos: Gene Burkurt, Bill Watrous

3. It'll Count If It Goes (9:39) by Gordon Goodwin
The title refers to the Los Angeles Laker's announcer, Chick Hearm, who coined the title phrase while announcing the Lakers games. This features the great Bob Summers, as well as a sparkling ensemble playing from all hands.
Solos: Bob Summers, Bill Watrous

4. My Foolish Heart (6:15) by Frank Perowsky
This gorgeous Victor Young tune is given straight ahead treatment in the classic ballad tradition. Shelly Berg is also featured on this chart. Shelly is magnificent!
Solos: Shelly Berg, Bill Watrous

5. Mama Llama Samba (9:50) by Gordon Goodwin
This chart is one of the bands favorites. Wayne Bergeron leads the brass section and Sal Lozano heads up the superb sax section. This remarkable piece is above and beyond the call of duty.
Solos: Steve Huffsteter, Bill Liston, Bill Watrous

6. My Romance (6:16) by Shelly Berg
This chart is a marvelous showcase for any soloist who can play in a vocal style. Shelly has marvelous control of the orchestral writing style.
Solos: Bill Watrous

7. I Got D'ZZZs (10:59) by Gordon Goodwin
This is one of Gordon Goodwin's true burners. It features four soloist, and a long, and very difficult sax solo.
Solos: Shelly Berg, Sal Lozano, Bill Liston, Bill Watrous

8. Village Dance (13:05) by Tom Kubis
We use this up tempo tune as our closer on most of our live sets and the audience loves it!
Solos: Bob Summers, Sal Lozano, Bill Watrous

Bill Watrous '97