Search - Bob Florence :: Funupsmanship

Maybe A Little Too Inventive?

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 09/09/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've always enjoyed the big bands of Bob Florence who is known for his colorful and challenging arrangements. This cd follows that pattern of complex ensemble work interspersed with fine improvisational solos. My problem is.........this is the first cd of his that I failed to remember a particular selection after having played it several times (I'm not counting "All Blues" with which I'm very familiar.....and it is a dynamite arrangement). "Come Rain Or Come Shine" is so far removed from the melody as to be unrecognizable ....except for Charlie Loper's solo. I can't remember the ensemble melody five minutes after hearing it!I enjoyed "Moonbows" and "The Cats' Waltzes". "Slimehouse" and the title tune are excellent examples of post bop but I still wouldn't remember to hum the the tune or a particular passage afterwards. I also knocked it off 5 stars because the sound wasn't up to par....even considering this was a live recording.I didn't grade it lower because, as usual, excellent musicianship is obvious throughout the cd and, maybe, in this case I'm not fully appreciating the originality of the charts."