Search - John La Barbera Big Band :: On the Wild Side

Inspired musicianship!

Ruth Radens | New York | 11/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had heard La Barbera's work before -- he was the principal arranger for the Buddy Rich Band for over 15 years and contributed to arrangements by a host of other leaders such as Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Tormé, Harry James, Glenn Miller, and Doc Severinsen - but this is the first CD I've found under his own name. With kudos on the back of the CD from the likes of Elmer Bernstein (composer of the title track) and Horace Silver, I knew before listening that this recording would become a solid staple of my big band library... and it has lived up to that promise. Crisp, bright, and solid arrangements swing from the first cut. The tracks move from rich symphonic fullness to dynamic smaller ensembles - embracing a full palette of colors - and the musicianship is top flight with folks like Bill Cunliffe on Keyboards, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, Pat La Barbera and Bob Shepard on tenor, and Joe La Barbera on drums. Horace Silver wrote: "Good arrangements -- good band -- good performance." I couldn't agree more!"

Tight, big band sound

R. Heubel | Battle Creek MI | 06/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nice album. Good arrangements. High quality recording - it feels like you are in the same room with the band and you can hear the individual players. I liked the very interesting version of "Eleanor Rigby"."

Great stuff from the LaBarbera brothers and friends

Pat Nava | San Francisco, CA | 05/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The two outstanding tracks are "Tiger Of San Pedro" (originally played by Bill Watrous' Manhattan Wildlife Refuge on the album "Tiger Of San Pedro") and "So What," both featuring excellent tenor sax solos from Pat LaBarbera. Also, excellent piano work on "Cloth Of Silver" from another ex-Buddy Rich sideman - Bill Cunliffe"