Our Kinda Strauss

by Kenny Clarke, Francy Boland, Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band

Overview

This 1999 reissue, which was simultaneously released as a two-record set and a single CD by the Italian label Rearward, compiles music from four separate studio sessions between 1967 and 1972 by the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band. In spite of the title, only a few of the tracks have a connection to the music of either Johann Strauss or Richard Strauss. Oddly enough, Boland refused to do the arrangements of these timeless waltzes, as he didn't want to change their melodies, so Yugoslav composer Bora Rokovic did the job, marking the only time the band played arrangements by someone other than Boland. The charts consistently swing and prove to be excellent catalysts for individual solos, particularly "Rosenkavalier," although the frequent premature fadeouts are a bit of a disappointment. "My Favorite Things," the famous waltz from The Sound of Music, follows John Coltrane's lead by not resolving itself right away, instead featuring a series of solos by baritone saxophonist Sahib Shihab, vibraphonist Fats Sadi, and trumpeter Benny Bailey, all of whom are energized by the potent sounds of the full band. Shihab composed "Peter's Waltz" as a vehicle for alto saxophonist Derek Humble, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, and himself. Bassist Jimmy Woode contributed the bittersweet "Keep On Keeping On," whose haunting melody is underscored by Clarke's brushwork. Since seven of the album's 16 tracks are previously unreleased, even collectors with the complete original records from which this set was assembled will want to pick up this beautifully remastered compilation. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	05/04/1999
Label:	Rearward
UPC:	8018344121062
Rank:	123425

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Kenny Clarke   Primary Artist
Francy Boland   Primary Artist,Organ
Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band   Primary Artist
Idrees Sulieman   Trumpet
Johnny Griffin   Sax (Tenor)
Derek Watkins   Trumpet
Sal Nistico   Sax (Tenor)
Jimmy Deuchar   Trumpet
Art Farmer   Trumpet
Ake Persson   Trombone
Fats Sadi   Percussion
Herb Geller   Sax (Alto),Horn (English)
Nat Peck   Trombone
Tony Coe   Clarinet,Sax (Tenor)
Benny Bailey   Trumpet
Sahib Shihab   Flute,Sax (Soprano),Sax (Baritone)
Karl Drewo   Sax (Tenor)
Tony Inzalaco   Percussion
Stan Robinson   Sax (Tenor)
Shake Keane   Trumpet
Kenny Clare   Drums
Derek Humble   Sax (Alto)

Technical Credits

Franz Lehar   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Jimmy Woode   Composer
Francy Boland   Arranger,Composer,Solo Instrumental
George Gershwin   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
Johnny Griffin   Solo Instrumental
Davide Rosa   Coordination
Sal Nistico   Solo Instrumental
Luciano Cantone   Coordination
Richard Strauss   Composer
Gerardo Frisina   Concept,Coordination
Ake Persson   Solo Instrumental
Burt Bacharach   Composer
Fats Sadi   Solo Instrumental
Herb Geller   Solo Instrumental
Tony Coe   Solo Instrumental
Benny Bailey   Solo Instrumental
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Sahib Shihab   Composer,Solo Instrumental
Gigi Campi   Producer
Wolfgang Hirschmann   Engineer
Karl Drewo   Solo Instrumental
Bora Rokovic   Arranger
Shake Keane   Solo Instrumental
Gudrun Mettig   Assistant Engineer
Derek Humble   Solo Instrumental
Jens Muller-Koslowski   Digital Remastering