Classics in the Jazzroom
9:30-10:00am on Blue Lake Public Radio at www.bluelake.org/listen
Big bands in the 1970’s amped up the energy. This week on Classics in the Jazzroom, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp faculty member Dave Jensen suggests you tune in to Blue Lake Public Radio between 9:30 and 10:00 am to hear trombonist Bill Watrous lead his band Manhattan Wildlife Refuge in a classic of 1970’s era big band jazz, “The Tiger of San Pedro.” Featuring the Fender Rhodes electric piano sound and a stratospheric trumpet solo from Danny Stiles, this 1975 Joe LaBarbera composition captures the zeitgeist of the decade.
Dave writes: “I chose this recording as a shining example of the direction that Big Bands headed in the 1970’s. Referred to at the time as the “modern big band sound,” the energy and drive was unprecedented. Other bandleaders of the time include Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, and others. The opening piano is the timeless “Fender Rhodes,” an iconic sound of the decade. The highlight in my opinion is Danny Stiles’ KILLER trumpet solo! This piece has stood the test of time and is frequently performed today by jazz bands and marching bands.”
   