Celebrating Bix by The Bix Centennial All Stars

29 Jan

Written by Richard Bourcier
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Arbors Jazz has never neglected its homework. The Florida label prepared more than a year in advance for Bix Beiderbecke's centennial. April of 2002 found a group of twenty instrumentalists and vocalists tuning up in a Brooklyn studio. The results of the Brooklyn sessions are nothing short of fabulous.

Born in Davenport, Iowa on March 10, 1903 the cornetist was to become on of the most influential players in jazz history. Within a short recording period of less than seven years, Bix became a legend. If he were alive today, he wouldn't understand why there are thousands of fans that fondly memorized every note of his solos. It's written that Bix died thinking his music would die with him. It's been 72 years since Bix left this world but it's a more exciting place because of him. His idol, Louis Armstong, is quoted "Every note he blew was so beautiful. He was a born genius."

The Centennial Session is perfect in that it covers material from every point in Bix's recording career. More important is the band's creative approach to the project. The arrangements don't attempt to echo Beiderbecke's music note for note but purely celebrate his being. It's like having a birthday party in honor of a friend who has passed on. They set an extra place at the table and placed a golden cornet on the platter. Happy Birthday Bix!

Three outstanding cornetists share the solo spots or, at times, play a Bixian chorus in unison. Other cornet solos are carried perfectly by a saxophone section. Some passages are from original scores by Bill Challis penned more than 70 years ago. Being a fan of the bass sax, I was delighted that Vince Giordano plays the revered instrument on several tracks. Dick Hyman appears as a guest soloist on Clementine. Hyman's work is always perfect!

There isn't sufficient space here to credit each musician. The Bix Centennial All Stars are exactly as advertised - "All-Stars." For those who may be unfamiliar with Bix Beiderbecke, Arbors Jazz includes a fine booklet with notes by Chip Deffaa and Randy Sandke. Each track is fully documented as to the instrumentation and order of soloists.

Five bright and shiny stars to this CD!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: The Bix Centennial All Stars
CD Title: Celebrating Bix
Genre: Traditional / New Orleans
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Arbors Jazz
Tracks: At The Jazz Band Ball; Proud Of a Baby Like You; Deep Harlem; Riverboat Shuffle; Davenport Blues; Jazz Me Blues; Blue River; I Need Some Pettin; I'm Coming Virginia; Lonely Melody; Clementine (From New Orleans); From Monday On; Singin' The Blues; There'll Come a Time; Borneo; Clarinet Marmalade; Way Down Yonder In New Orleans; San; Deep Down South.'
Musicians: Jon-Erik Kellso (cornet); Randy Reinhart (cornet); Randy Sandke (cornet); Dan Barrett (trombone, cornet); Harvey Tibbs (trombone); Dan Levinson (clarinet, alto & C-melody saxes); Scott Robinson (clarinet, tenor & C-melody saxes); Jack Stuckey (clarinet, alto sax); Dick Hyman (solo piano on Clementine); Mark Shane (piano); Howard Alden (guitar); Matt Munisteri (guitar); Greg Cohen (bass); Vince Giordano (bass, bass saxophone); Joe Ascione (drums); James Langton (vocals); Barbara Rosene (vocals); The Manhattan Rhythm Kings: Marc Kessler, Brian Nalepka and Hal Shane (vocals).
Label Website: http://www.arborsrecords.com
Rating: Five Stars