MPS - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl - AAA 100% Analogue

Pressed by Optimal  Germany - Limited Edition 

MPS has done it right, using the original analog master tapes as the source (pictures of them are included, just to emphasize the point) and pressing on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal Media in Germany Sound 4/5 Music 4.5/5 The Audio Beat

Without ever making concessions to the trend of the moment, the Kenny Clarke–Francy Boland Big Band was the embodiment of the timeless art of the jazz orchestra. Its play was proof positive that a jazz big band compiled of top-flite musicians from both sides of the Atlantic could take off and soar. Regarded as the most important big band outside of the US, this bi-continental orchestra recorded over two dozen albums, close to a third of these under the SABA and MPS labels. Recorded in May, 1968, “All Smiles” was one of the Band’s highpoints. The album exhibits a style that became synonymous with this US-European enterprise: it not only swung – it was the perfect vehicle for Boland’s sophisticated modern arrangements.

Trumpeters Benny Bailey and Idrees Sulieman, saxophonists Johnny Griffin and Ronnie Scott, as well as special guest vibraphonist Dave Pike are some of the jazz giants among the soloists in this 17-man combo who turn out some masterly short portraits. From the fleet-footed waltz “I’m All Smiles” to the bluesy party piece, “By Strauss” and the sensuous theme from “Gloria”, the journey continues on through to the furious John Phillip Souza finale, “High School Cadets”. Preferring varicolored intricacy over massive walls of sound, The Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band stood up against the constant flow of momentary fads, remaining true to the inventive tradition of the great big bands.

Musicians:

Kenny Clarke, drums, co-leader
Francy Boland, piano, co-leader
Benny Bailey, trumpet
Idrees Sulieman, trumpet
Jimmy Deuchar, trumpet
Sonny Grey, trumpet
Ake Persson, trombone
Nat Peck, trombone
Erik van Lier, trombone
Derek Humble, alto saxophone
Johnny Griffin, tenor saxophone
Ronnie Scott, tenor saxophone
Tony Coe, tenor saxophone
Sahib Shihab, baritone saxophone
Jimmy Woode, bass
Kenny Clare, drums
Dave Pike, vibes

Selections:
Side I:
1. Let's Face the Music and Dance
2. I'm All Smiles
3. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
4. I'm Glad There Is You
5. Get Out of Town
Side II:
6. By Strauss
7. When Your Lover Has Gone
8. Gloria
9. Sweet and Lovely
10. High School Cadets