UW Parkside Jazz Ensemble 1 – Vahoovah!

I’m not usually so big on big band/stage band music these days, but there is still something about a tight, well played, forward thinking arrangement that can still hook me in on any given day. This LP from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s premier jazz ensemble from 1979 is a case in point. I picked this up on a whim one day because basically I was having trouble finding LPs to actually buy. I’m pretty glad I did because even though it’s from a time period I don’t usually like too much it’s actually a really good listen throughout, well recorded and you can tell that the band, as well as their director Tim Bell knew what they were doing. Judging by the liner notes, this group was pretty well regarded in it’s day, travelling out of state to play and receiving “Outstanding Band Honours” at the 1975, ’78 and ’79 Midwest Jazz Festivals. This LP is full of good stuff in a very modern jazz vein, the soundfile below is pretty indicative of the sound, recommended and should be easy to find.

Phonk A Trois