Here it is, the highly anticipated release to the Masters of Music Big Band (minus 9) recording “One More Time”. This time around we wanted to make the group a little bigger, but not a true big band size. For several of the tracks, the group was the same original 7, but for some of the tracks the group was expanded to 9. That’s the reason for the add on at the end of the group name – “The Masters of Music Big Band (minus 9) (plus 2)”. Also included are 2 tracks from separate recording dates featuring Judie Cochill. These songs were swapped out from 2 others Judie recorded on the original dates so that those selections could be included on some upcoming theme releases. This is a fun recording with a unique concept. The goal is to make the smaller ensemble sound as much like a full big band as possible. It’s a concept that requires musicians who know how to blend as a combo while projecting the skill style of big band masters. The CD highlights the versatility and professionalism of every musician involved. My thanks go out to every one of the musicians for their creative input and talent! Splanky: The title track is a Russ Miller reduction from the original big band arrangement written by Sammy Nestico for the Count Basie Band. It’s remarkable how Russ maintains the sound and feel of big band writing without compromising the richness of sound. Great solo work by Pete Kahn and Dwight Adams, and serious big band drumming from Billy Cairo. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: Every recording should have at least one Duke Ellington tune if possible. This big band favorite showcases Russ Miller’s solo abilities and again demonstrates how 6 horns can sound like 13. I Love Paris: A great Judie Cochill vehicle, you can’t go wrong with Cole Porter. Judie’s playful lyric stylings make this track one of the jewels on the recording. Skylark: Hoagy Carmichael at his best, great ensemble playing on a “walking ballad”. Nice solo work once again by Russ Miller and the incomparable Gary Schunk. Three Moods of Indigo: Here is a fresh take on Ellington’s Mood Indigo by arranger Russ Miller. The opening is the traditional three horn style of Duke’s recordings, transitioning into a funky version of the tune and back again to the ballad. It’s a fresh take on a jazz classic, and once again features Dwight Adams and Russ Miller. You Came a Long Way from St. Louis: A fun arrangement of a tune you don’t hear often enough. This arrangement is a great solo vehicle for Gary Schunk, always a treat. Always: This track comes from a different recording session and features Judie on vocals again. The trombone counter melody is a transcribed background line from Carl Fontana playing behind Al Cohn on the recording the Great Fontana. The track has Marion Hayden on bass and Dave Taylor on drums. Route 66: An arrangement that just rolls along with the underlying bass work of Ray Tini. You will truly enjoy the solo work of Russ Miller and trumpet legend Johnny Trudell. E Preciso Perdoar: This is the one traditional Latin tune on the recording, a magnificent arrangement by Russ Miller that showcases authentic Latin lines and style. The loose translation of the title is “I need to forgive”. Nice & Easy: Here is the real Johnny Trudell highlight of this recording. Johnny was born to play this song and handles it masterfully. In addition, he decided at the session to switch from trumpet to flugelhorn on this one. That change completely changed the sound of the arrangement, making for a mellow track that plays itself. Old Black Magic: Another import track from a different session to feature Judie. This one had the legendary Dan Jordan on bass and Sean Dobbins on drums. The track was arranged on the spot and has the live sound we’re always striving for. Slow Boat to China: A great closer for the CD, a fun song everyone loves that again isn’t heard enough. We send you off with one final listen to the solo work of Pete Kahn. Until next time…