John La Barbera's well-framed charts tantalize the ears and quicken the heart...
With his career at the highest levels of the music industry spanning a half-century, Grammy® nominated composer/arranger John La Barbera doesn't have much left to prove, so gathering a band of equals in New York City and spending some time recording his latest & best hard-swinging arrangements makes good sense! Along with his equally storied brothers, saxophonist Pat and drummer Joe, La Barbera fills Grooveyard with jazz royalty, including Steve Wilson, Renee Rosnes, Clay Jenkins, and the legendary bassist, Rufus Reid, for a set of four arranged tunes from Brubeck, Curtis Fuller, Elvin Jones, and the title track from pianist Carl Perkins, and six of his own original compositions. Thanks to his early career in helping to define the sounds of the Buddy Rich Band, Woody Herman, Bill Watrous and so many others, La Barbera's works have become jazz big band standards, his luminous orchestrations, contrapuntal writing, and rhythmic and textural variety combining to create unforgettable musical moments.
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John La Barbera Big Band:
John La Barbera - leader, conductor & arranger
Steve Wilson - lead alto, flute
Erica von Kleist - alto, flute
Pat La Barbera - tenor, soprano
Sam Sadigursky - tenor, clarinet
Andy Gutauskas - baritone, bass clarinet
Juan Ruiz - clarinet (6)
John Chudoba - trumpet (lead)
Brian Pareschi - trumpet (lead, 7 & 9)
Brandon Lee - trumpet
Clay Jenkins - trumpet
Ryan Keberle - trombone (lead)
Mike Davis - trombone (lead, 9)
Sara Jacovino - trombone
David Taylor - bass trombone
Brandon Coleman - guitar
Renee Rosnes - piano & keyboards
Rufus Reid - acoustic bass
Frank Gravis - electric bass
Kiko Sebrian - percussion
Joe La Barbera - drums
Produced by John P. La Barbera
Recorded by Chris Allen with Assistant Engineer Steven Sacco
at Sear Sound, New York City
Percussion Recording & ProTools Edits by Adam Copelin
at TNT Studios, Louisville, KY
March 22-23, 2023 & April 15, 2023 (percussion)
Mixed & mastered by Chris Allen
at The Mud Room, NYC
Band photos by Charles Levin
Cover design by Edward La Barbera
Cover Art Painting 'Groove Yard' by Marie La Barbera
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
John La Barbera arrangements are available from:
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/search/genres/jazz/700077?Ntt=john+la+barbera