Grooveyard

The LaBarabera brothers (John, arranger; Pat, tenor saxophonist; and Joe, drummer) are musical legends, they have all built long careers and deserve our appreciation. They have all come together under John's baton to play his arrangements on Grooveyard. But this isn't just a family affair, saxophonist Steve Wilson, pianist Renee Rosnes, and bassist Rufus Reid, also make their strong presences felt. It's a wonderful modern big band recording, and (as always) Joe LaBarbera is driving the bus with taste, chops, and all the right notes. Check out Joe's amazing playing on "My New Summer Samba," how LaBarbera's brushes drive the beginning of Dave Brubeck's "For lola," and his power on "Tranesome" and Elvin Jones'"Keiko's Birthday March." This is a superb big band recording.