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This disc features the music of the Raymond Scott Quintette, John
Kirby and His Orchestra, and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. It’s big on wind, short on
vocals and offers an exquisite treasure of diverse talent.
This
collection was produced and arranged by Byron in recognition of these remarkable bands
that were underappreciated by the critics of their time because of their innovative style
combining a mix of jazz and classical influences. Influenced by such greats as Chopin
and Tchaikovsky, the musicianship here is powerful with big sound and meticulously
rendered horn stylings.
“Charley’s Prelude” is a magnificent instrumental
with the most amazing trumpet solo I’ve ever heard, backed by some smooth clarinet
stylings by Byron. “Powerhouse” is another bubbly instrumental, used in Warner Brothers
cartoons, that conjures images of Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. “The Dicty Glide” and
“Bounce of the Sugarplum Fairies” are cheerful and lighthearted. There is not a
disappointing track on this disc.
This collection is upbeat, lighthearted
and certain to please a wide range of musical palates.
