THE FABULOUS BILL HOLMAN, HIS OCTET AND ORCHESTRA

Personnel:

Don Fagerquist, Nick Travis, Conte Candoli, Al Porcino (tp), Harry Betts, Lewis McCreary (tb), Bob Enevoldsen, Stu Williamson (vtb), Herb Geller, Charlie Mariano (as), Bill Holman, Richie Kamuca, Charlie Kennedy (ts), Bob Gordon (bs), Lou Levy (p), Curtis

Reference: FSRCD 2219

Bill Holman is one of the most amazing talents of this era. His music is natural; he tolerates no force or hostility in his jazz. One of the composers of modern day linear writing, he has already affected the necessary change in the growth of orchestrated jazz. Holmans dry wit is one of his most entertaining attributes. His music, though technically serious, is a mirror of his happy philosophyat times even humorous. He enjoys a unanimous affection from all in jazz, both musically and personally, said Stan Kenton.

According to Holman: Melodically, I try to write human, singable lines with natural curves, sometimes trying for an improvised feel... Rhythmically, I use a lot of syncopation and off-beat accents in the ensembles as a band seems to be able to get together easier on off beats than on on beats.

Tracklisting:

01. Sparkle

02. Tanglefoot

03. Song Without Words

04. Awfully Busy

05. Plain Folks

06. Back To Minors

07. Cousin Jack

08. On The Town

09. Jughaid

10. Locomotion

11. Airegin

12. Evil Eyes

13. You And I

14. Bright Eyes

15. Come Rain Or Come Shine

16. The Big Street

Personnel and dates:

Tracks #1-8: Bill Holman Octet with Don Fagerquist (tp), Bob Enevoldsen, Stu Williamson (vtb), Herb Geller (as), Bill Holman (ts), Bob Gordon (bs), Curtis Counce (b), Stan Levey (d). Recorded in Hollywood, on May 4 & 12, 1954.

Tracks #9-10: Same personnel but Nick Travis replaces Fagerquist, and Max Bennett replaces Counces. Recorded in Hollywood, on August 2, 1954.

Tracks #11-14: Bill Holman Orchestra with Conte Candoli, Ray Lynn, Al Porcino (tp), Harry Betts, Bob Fitzpatrick, Ray Sims (tb), Stu Williamson (vtb), Herb Geller, Charlie Mariano (as), Bill Holman, Richie Kamuca, Charlie Kennedy (ts), Steve Perlow (bs), Lou Levy (p), Max Bennett (b), Mel Lewis (d). Recorded in Hollywood, on April 25, 1957.

Tracks #15-16: Same personnel but Lewis McCreary replaces Betts. Recorded in Hollywood, on April 29, 1957.