George Gee –
Settin’ the Pace
2004 GJazzRecords.com
Saxophones: Ed Pazant, Marshall McDonald, Michael Hashim,
Lance Bryant, Howard Johnson; Trombones: Charles
Stephens, Robert Trowers, Eddie Bert, Jack Jeffers; Trumpets: Walt Szymanski, Steve Wiseman, Shawn Edmonds, Mark
McGowan; Piano: Jon Cowherd; Guitar: Joe Cohn; Bass:
Daryl Hall; Drums: Willard
Dyson; Percussion: Renato Thoms; Vocals: Carla Cook
Gjazz Records is happy to announce the
new CD, Settin’ the Pace, with Frank Foster and The George Gee Big Band!
Recorded this past April after the band's previous appearance at Birdland Jazz Club, the
recording features music and arrangements by Frank Foster - many never previously
recorded! Frank directed this the whole project and masterfully guided the Big Band in the
recording studio to his satisfaction. The results are twelve exciting tracks of swingin'
Big Band jazz, on which Grammy nominee vocalist Carla Cook lends her soulful renditions on
three songs. And as Frank says, "Given the proper setting, you just might prefer to
dance!" ---
Website Press Release
George Gee is one of the premiere big
band directors of this swing era. He has
released several CD’s, all of which have exciting and very danceable swingin’
tunes throughout. This CD is no exception. You are not going to find the standard songs you
see on all the big band compilations that are out there.
You are going to find some new gems for your library.
Gee is strongly influenced by the late
great Count Basie. This accounts for his
working closely with Frank Foster, the man who arranged for Basie and after his death led
the Count Basie Orchestra.
I really enjoy Out of Nowhere,
the first track. It eases you comfortably in
for the hour long ride of great music. Carla
Cook does a nice job on vocals for Lover Come Back to Me and Autumn Leaves,
both danceable songs. She also is quite good
on The Very Thought of You, which is a nice ballad.
The musicianship is what you expect
from Gee: exceptional. This band has some fantastic musicians who blend
well together. The band has a very nice, full
sound on all the tracks.
Dancing. I pegged 8 of the 12 tracks as good for swing
dancing. The tempos range from 111 to 210. Three of the other four are ballads and there is
one latin song.
Gee has done another fine album. It is a good pick-up for your library. I think you’ll be pleased with it!
Bottom Line: To buy or not to buy….. BUY! Here’s how:
Swingin' at Swing City Zurich
2003 Zort Music, LTD
SQ Issue: Spring 2004, Volume 14, Issue 2
The Band:
“It's been over two decades since I
first counted off the downbeat for my first big band and it has been quite a roller
coaster ride ever since. Nobody told me it would ever be easy, in fact, mostly everybody
informed me that a large swing orchestra would never be able to make a mark in the modern
jazz world or something more unfathomable - being popular in a more "mainstream"
category. Everybody, except for my musical idol and inspiration - Mr. William
"Count" Basie. Our chance encounter backstage at The Carnegie Music Hall in
Pittsburgh, PA in December of 1979 and our continued relationship into the 1980's
reconfirmed my beliefs and love for the music. His words and support continue to echo in
my mind everyday and especially when I step in front of my grand swing orchestra. And the
more recent collaborations (rehearsals, performances and music arrangements) with former
Basie sidemen and arrangers - Frank Foster and Benny Powell - just reaffirms the passing
of the torch. Thanks, Mr. Basie.”.–
Website.
Some of my favorites include Blues in
Frankie’s Flat (sounds suspiciously like Blues in Hoss’ Flat but
I’m sure nobody minds this nod to the legendary Frankie Manning), Stompin’ at
the Savoy, Shiny Stockings and Splanky.
I want to highlight One Man Dance,
a Duke Ellington tune arranged by Walt Szymanski. I was unfamiliar with this song
prior to this CD and I want to thank the band for recording it. It is a fabulous
song that has quickly become one of my favorites and in regular rotation in my
DJ’ing.
There is a reason that this band is one of
the most popular big bands playing today. Their energy, musicianship and musical
selections keep you swingin’ on the dance floor until the last note is played.
George Gee has done a phenomenal job capturing the essence of Basie, Ellington and all the
giants of yesteryear while maintaining his own identity. Three cheers for another
great CD!
Bottom Line: To buy or not to buy….. BUY! Here’s how:
