What a swinging big band!
Lionel Raymond | Los Angeles, CA | 08/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! What a great band! This band swings with the best of them. I have waited a long time for a fresh breath of air to come along and breath life into today's big band sounds, and this is it! This CD has something for fans of all ages, with arrangements in the traditional style of the big bands of yesterday, as well as contemporary arrangements for the more progressive ear. John McNeil's arrangement on the title track ("I Believe in You") is quite extensive, with complicated lines existing simultaneously throughout the ensemble. The Michael Abene arrangement of "Happy Days are Here Again" is also impressive, with haunting flute and flugelhorn harmonies throughout. The great Tommy Newsom has penned the arrangement "Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald", which is recorded in honor of one of the greatest voices to ever walk the planet. There is not a lacking song on the CD. Every song is executed with outstanding musicianship and precision, a feat not easily accomplished with arrangements of this high difficulty level. Ms. Maricle has a fantastic ensemble in this group of talented women. I hope we continue to hear from them in the future. This is a "must own" for every fan of big band jazz."