The Whole Music Experience

Jazz/Big Band   The Michael Treni Big Band   Pop-Culture Blues   The Bell Production Company   When I think of big band, my mind wanders back to the swing era and the likes of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.   I’m ready to join a chorus of Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke commemorating the big band era.   Today, big band is less about swing and more about encompassing the history of jazz played on brassy horns, sultry winds and a big drum sound.   On Pop-Culture Blues , the title says it all, and trombonist and bandleader Michael Treni play jazz with blue notes with finger-snapping rhythms.   Expect high-octane solos on this instrumental album and a variety of blues, including Summer Blues, Smokin’ Blues , Mr. Funky Blues and of course, Pop-Culture Blues which reflects on weariness to pop culture and blues reflecting popular music styles.   I’m enjoying BQE Blues at the moment with sassy horns.   On Minor Blues ,...

The Michael Treni Big Band Boy’s Night Out Bell Production Co. The Jens Wendelboe Big Band Fresh Heat Rosa Records When I think of big bandleaders, I think piano.   Yet, here are two new releases by trombonists leading modern-era big bands.   You won’t find rehashed covers of Ellington or other American jazz legends, but both the Michael Treni 16-piece big band and The Jens Weldelboe Big Band swing low and high.   First, there is Treni who began his jazz career with promise, almost landing a touring gig with Art Blakely that at the last moment fell through leading the musician to a new direction of arranging.    Trombonist Jens Wendelboe, on the other hand, has run the gamut between jazz, pop, and movie soundtracks.   He leans heavily on a strong melody. Opening with Leonard Bernstein’s Something’s Coming Treni and his musicians provide robust jazz on the album, Boy’s Night Out .   The musical personnel however, does...