Two Different Days

Since 1984, trumpeter Rob Parton has led his Jazztech Big Band in the Chicago area. A straight-ahead orchestra, this band has impressive musicianship, very professional soloists and a personality of its own within the modern mainstream of jazz. The arrangements of Don Schamber, Thomas Matta, Kirk Garrison, Chris Madsen and Tom Garling are inventive and the band's interpretations of ten jazz standards, "Blue Getz Blues" and Garling's "Two Different Days" are lively and full of spirit. Among the many highlights are features for Parton's flugelhorn on "Speak Low" and "My One And Only Love," tenor-saxophonist Mark Colby's playing throughout and trombonist Tom Garling's showcase on a medium-tempo version of "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You." The closing number, Chuck Mangione's "She's Gone," features Parton's flugelhorn with a string section. Big band collectors will certainly enjoy this excellent program.